asked the Minister for Defence whether he will hold an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Frank Grady, at the Mountain-Stage, Glenbeigh, County Kerry, on the 11th March, 1923, while in military custody; and whether he intends making any provision by way of compensation, for this man's dependants.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CO. KERRY MAN'S DEATH.
The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.
Is the Minister aware that an officer known as Tiny Lyons deliberately shot this prisoner in the presence of over 200 people, and is it not reasonable at least to ask for an inquiry?
Has the Deputy any evidence that this prisoner did not take part in armed rebellion against the State?
I have not. Is that any justification why he should be murdered?
Apparently it is. Does the Minister's answer mean that if a man took part in armed rebellion, as he calls it, he is to be shot out of hand while a prisoner? Are we to understand that the Minister stands for that?
He did stand for it.
What the Deputy states is not true, but I presume that the Act of Indemnity covers anything in regard to the civil war.
Am I to understand that this man was shot while a prisoner in the Free State Army? Is that not true?
That he was shot? The Deputy did not say that exactly.
That he was shot while a prisoner in the presence of about 200 prisoners by an officer of the Free State Army. Is that true?
I am not aware of that.
As I am not satisfied with the Minister's reply, I give notice that I will raise the matter on the adjournment.