asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the release of John Melody, Clondorney, Tulla, who, it is stated, is at present serving a sentence for a purely political offence.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. CLARE PRISONER.
The Deputy appears to have been misinformed as to the nature of the charge against John Melody, Clondorney, Tulla, Co. Clare. This man has been detained under the provisions of the Public Safety (Powers of Arrest and Detention) Temporary Act, 1924, since the 20th July, 1924, on strong suspicion of being concerned in outrages on the Moloney Estate, Kiltannon, County Clare. He was informed on the 3rd instant that he would be released on entering into recognisances for his good behaviour.
I might mention that the case was before the Appeal Council on the 20th October and the Council reported that there were reasonable grounds for suspecting him of being concerned in the offence for which he is detained.