asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that four men placed under arrest at Blackwater, County Wexford, on Saturday, 27th October last, were forced to sleep on a concrete floor in Enniscorthy Gárda Síochána barracks and were denied the rights of fulfilling their religious obligations of attending at Mass on the following Sunday morning, even under escort, although they were at the time being detained without any charge having been formulated against them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co. Wexford Arrests.
I am informed that the persons referred to by the Deputy were confined in two cells at the police barracks at Enniscorthy in the ordinary way and were provided with mattresses and blankets. It was not found possible to allow them to attend Holy Mass on the day following their arrest, as a sufficient escort was not available.
asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that the wife of Martin Lacey, of Crosshue, Blackwater, County Wexford, was refused permission to see or visit him on Sunday, 28th October last, when he was detained in Enniscorthy Gárda Síochána barracks as a prisoner against whom no charge had been laid, and if he will state under whose instructions was this action taken; and if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that in future uncharged men or women under detention are not isolated and forbidden the right of visits from their relatives.
I understand that when Mrs. Lacey called at Enniscorthy Barracks on Sunday, the 28th October, her husband was then being interrogated by the Superintendent. Mrs. Lacey was so informed and told that she would not be able to see her husband until later. Mrs. Lacey did not return that afternoon, but was allowed a lengthy interview with her husband next day.
I am informed that she could not see him at all.
She did see him.
She did the next day. That woman had to come 15 miles to the barracks. She has a weak family and is a delicate woman. She got anything but fair treatment.