asked the President if the Committee which was set up some months ago to investigate the cases of Government employees who were arrested or interned since July, 1922, has yet furnished its Report, and if not, if he will state how soon the Report may be expected.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ARRESTED OR INTERNED GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.
The Advisory Committee has not yet completed its investigations, but it is hoped to furnish to the Government within the next week an Interim Report covering the cases in which the Committee is satisfied that the persons concerned were not guilty of complicity with the Irregular Forces. In the remaining cases it will be necessary to give the persons concerned an opportunity of stating their cases in person before the Committee, and steps to this end are now being taken. The Committee will make every endeavour to furnish their final report with the least possible delay.
Is the President aware that some of these concerned are married men who have been released for over twelve months and who have got no pay since?
About 400 cases were referred to this Committee, and in 126 cases the Committee have found that there was complicity with the Irregulars. In the other cases, or in the majority of them, at any rate, the Committee are satisfied that evidence exists that there was complicity. So far as they are concerned, they are going to give them an opportunity of appearing before them with a view to making their case.