asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that Miss Sighle Humphries, who was arrested last May and charged with treason and embracery, is still in prison awaiting trial; if he can state when she will be brought up for trial again and her case disposed of, and, further, whether this practice of detaining certain persons in prison for extended periods awaiting trial is to be continued.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DETENTION OF PRISONER.
I am aware that Miss Sighle Humphries who was returned for trial last May is still awaiting trial. She was brought before the Central Criminal Court on the 22nd June last when the jury disagreed. The Circuit Court is at present holding criminal sittings and I understand that Miss Humphries will be brought up for trial again at these sittings.
As regards the last part of the Deputy's question there is no such practice as detaining persons in prison for extended periods awaiting trial. If persons are in fact kept in custody for a considerable time awaiting trial the fact is entirely accidental as far as the prosecution is concerned and very often it is due to the person himself or herself.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, could he state how many persons arrested since the arrest of Miss Sheila Humphries and charged with criminal offences have had their cases disposed of?
Miss Sheila Humphries was returned for trial in May. She was put on trial in June and the jury disagreed. The other cases for trial at these sessions were taken up. She comes on again at the present sessions which is the ordinary procedure.