HC Deb 12 March 1906 vol 153 cc861-2
MR. DUFFY (Galway, S.)

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the correspondence between Dr. Comyn, solicitor for Patrick Ryan, Michael Green, Michael Healy, and John Fallon, prisoners in Galway Gaol, awaiting trial for having, as alleged, fired at Mr. and Mrs. Shaw Taylor on the 2nd December, and the Prisons' Board; whether he is aware that Dr. Comyn has complained both to the local prison officials and the General Prisons Board of the isolation of John Fallon from the other prisoners, who are allowed to exercise together, whereas even in chapel he is not allowed to see them; and whether he will direct that Fallon be now treated as are the other three prisoners in the case.

(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Answer to the first and second inquiries of the Question is in the affirmative. The action taken by the prison governor in this case is in accordance with the prison rules, which direct that prisoners awaiting trial shall be kept separate and not permitted to communicate with each other. I am informed that matters occurred in the prison which necessitated a strict observance of the rule in the case of Fallon.