asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the number of prisoners sentenced by the Special Criminal Court, and persons detained under Emergency Powers (No. 20) Order, 1940, released from prisons and internment camps since 1st January, 1944; and under what conditions release was granted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Release of Prisoners.
Forty-nine persons detained under Emergency Powers (No. 20) Order, 1940, were released between 1st January, 1944, and 22nd February, 1944, as I was satisfied that their detention was no longer necessary in the interests of the public safety. No person sentenced by the Special Criminal Court was released during the same period except on normal expiration of sentence.