§ 69. Mr. BYRNEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the names and addresses of all persons arrested during the rising in Ireland were published broadcast in Irish newspapers; and if he will, in justice to them, so as to enable them to return to their employment, cause their names to be published when their release has been ordered by the Advisory Committee?
Mr. SAMUELI do not think it desirable to make any official publication of the kind suggested. When a prisoner is released, his presence is sufficient evidence that he has been discharged.
§ Mr. BYRNEConsidering that the names of these men were published in every paper in Ireland when they were interned, will he not allow their names to be published when they are released?
Mr. SAMUELTheir names were published in order that their friends and families should be made aware of what had happened.
§ 72. Mr. FITZPATRICKasked if the case of Edward J. Brennan, Dublin, arrested during the recent rebellion, has been inquired into by the Advisory Committee; and, if so, has his release been ordered?
Mr. SAMUELYes, Sir. The Advisory Committee have recommended Edward Brennan's release, and he was released on the 22nd instant.
§ Mr. P. MEEHANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Brennan is in the employment of a firm controlled by the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds, and will the Government see that he shall be reinstated in his employment?
§ 75. Mr. FFRENCHasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has seen a letter from a Unionist justice of the peace, Charles H. Peacocke, Esq., Belmont, Wexford, advocating the release of Miss Ellen O'Ryan, now in Lewes Prison; whether he is aware that Mr. Peococke states that he is a neighbour of Miss O'Ryan's family, and that he has known them since 1871 as quiet and industrious farming people, and that Miss O'Ryan was at home in her father's house during the Sinn Fein disturbance, and that she took no part whatever in it; whether he is aware that the only charges against Miss O'Ryan are two letters, one written to her some two years ago with reference to a proposal to pass a resolution at the Wexford Board of Guardians, the other an invitation to a picnic; whether he is aware that the writers of these letters used some words which have been construed into a breach of the Defence of the Realm Act; whether Miss O'Ryan is to be held responsible for other people's words; and, if not, can he say when she will be released?
Mr. SAMUELI have received from the hon. Member a letter from Mr. Peacocke, which shall have my consideration; but, as I informed the hon. Member for West Clare on the 18th July, the Advisory Committee, after personally hearing Ellen Ryan and carefully considering the evidence against her, have recommended that her internment should be maintained.
§ Mr. FFRENCHMay the Members of the House have an opportunity of seeing the letters so that they may be able to judge?
Mr. SAMUELI understand that the letter to which the hon. Member refers is by no means the only evidence on which the Committee came to their decision. I am sure that the hon. Member will agree with me that it is not possible to retry each individual case across the floor of the House.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this lady is prepared to go before any public tribunal and meet her accusers, and have the charge investigated?
§ Mr. FLAVINShe does not know what is the charge against her.
§ Mr. BYRNEWill the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that Irish soldiers are fighting for the rights of small nationalities, and why does the Government insist on making war on Irish women?
Mr. SAMUELIn connection with the rebellion eighty-two women were arrested by the military. They were all released except five. Of those five two have been released by advice of the Committee, and only three ladies are still retained.
Mr. HEALYIs it the fact that the Irish Nationalist Member for Newry is a concurrent in this woman's continued detention?
Mr. SAMUELI cannot say what view is taken by individual members of the Committee. I am sure that the hon. Member for Newry, who is a member of the Committee, has given every case full consideration.