asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that Private Leo Friel, No. 68032, 9th Infantry Battalion, who was found shot while on guard duty at Collins Barracks, Dublin, on February 16th, 1928, had been posted to guard duty immediately on his discharge from hospital; that the inquest was held without his brothers having an opportunity of viewing or identifying the body; that the clothing of deceased was not produced at the inquest; and that the body was sent by rail to Derry without having been properly bandaged, following the post-mortem examination.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEATH OF SOLDIER.
I am aware that the late Private Leo Friel was detailed to mount guard the day after his discharge from hospital, medically fit for duty. The identification of his body and the production of his clothing at the inquest do not appear to be matters for me. All relevant information was made available to the coroner. The allegation that the body was not properly bandaged after the post-mortem examination is unfounded.