asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state the number of British airmen who were released from internment in the State in recent months, with a view to saving the cost of their maintenance; also the number of German airmen released from internment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British and German Internees.
There were no releases with the object of saving the cost of maintenance. Releases took place on the basis indicated in my reply to the Deputy on the 3rd November last. I am not prepared to go further into detail.
It is strongly rumoured throughout the country that a number of British internees have been released and I would be very glad if the Taoiseach would confirm or deny that in order to clear up these rumours. If British internees have been released, why not release a similar number of German internees, if we are neutral?
I think if the Deputy listened to my reply he would have, to a large extent, an answer to his further question. I said: "Releases took place on the basis indicated in my reply to the Deputy on the 3rd November last." If he looks up that reply, he will see what the basis was.