asked the Minister for Justice if Messrs, Jeremiah Daly and John Lynch, Clonaslee, who are untried prisoners detained in Arbour Hill, have been on hunger strike since 14th October; whether both prisoners are now in a weak and dangerous condition of health; and whether on reconsideration of all the circumstances he proposes to order the release of both prisoners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prisoners on Hunger Strike.
Mr. Boland
Jeremiah Daly abandoned his hunger strike on the 11th instant. An order for his release was made on 14th instant. John Lynch is still on hunger strike, and his condition is as suggested in the question. As the Deputy knows, any person who is detained under Part VI of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, can appeal to a commission consisting of three persons established under the Act. If the commission finds in favour of the appellant he must within a week either be released or charged, according to law, with an offence. In answer to the last part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to the statement made by the Taoiseach in the House last Thursday.
Could the Minister say why these men are detained without trial or charge?
Mr. Boland
I can assure the Deputy that nobody has been arrested without good reason. If a mistake has been made—and I admit that it is possible that mistakes may be made—every opportunity is given to anyone, who thinks that he should not have been interned, to make representations to this body to which I have referred, and I am quite satisfied that if they do so, and if their representations are found to be correct, they will be released.
Would the Minister say how many of these men are on hunger strike at present?
Mr. Boland
At present, the number on hunger strike is three.
Well, I think there is a mistake in this case, and I should like to know whether or not the Minister would be prepared to discuss the matter with me.
Mr. Boland
As I say, it is open to every person who is arrested to appeal to this body. They are warned, as soon as they are arrested, that, if they wish to make any representations, they can do so to this tribunal, and that tribunal will be sent for almost immediately. There is no undue delay, and therefore I do not think that in these circumstances there is any reason why I should interfere.
Is that intimation given to prisoners as soon as they enter into the custody of the Minister?
Mr. Boland
Yes, as soon as they enter Arbour Hill, or whatever place they go to.