asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of untried political prisoners still detained; the number of sentenced prisoners whose sentences have been reviewed; the number of prisoners whose sentences have been remitted, and who have been as a consequence released; the number of cases where the sentences were reviewed but were not remitted; the number of prisoners whose sentences have not yet been reviewed; and if he will state what period must elapse before all these cases will be considered and the last of the prisoners released.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - POLITICAL PRISONERS.
There are at present in military custody 123 untried political prisoners, and 86 sentenced political prisoners.
The review of sentences passed by military tribunals on political prisoners began at the end of February last. At that time there were 323 sentenced prisoners in custody. During the period of review one died, one escaped, and seven were released in the ordinary way on expiration of sentences. The cases of the others have all been considered by two judges either under the provisions of Section 3 of the Indemnity Act, 1923, or in accordance with the procedure outlined in the President's statement on the Deputy's motion regarding political prisoners on the 21st May last. As a result, in 228 cases sentences have been remitted, and the prisoners released; in nine cases the sentences have not been completely remitted, but have in practically all cases been substantially reduced. In the remaining 77 cases the recommendations of the judges are under consideration.
As regards the last part of the Deputy's question, I am not in a position to give a reply now, but I hope to deal with it in the statement which has been promised before the end of next week.