§ 79. Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the names of all Irishmen now in prison for 1618 political, as distinguished from ordinary, offences, with the term of imprisonment in each case; the names of those banished from Ireland without charge or trial, with the areas to which they are restricted; the names of those restricted in Ireland, with the areas to which they are restricted; and, when the Irish political prisoners now in penal servitude under sentences of secret courts-martial are being released to create a favourable atmosphere for the Convention, whether all these other classes and individuals also will be released to contribute to the said atmosphere?
§ Mr. DUKENo means are at my disposal for making out such a distinctive list as the hon. Member suggests. The men deported from Ireland will now be allowed to return. Restrictions upon residence must be dealt with in the individual cases with due regard to the conduct of the persons concerned.
§ Mr. GINNELLCan the Chief Secretary tell us whether the amnesty will also cover men suspected by the Government of some connection with the insurrection but not imprisoned either because they had left the country or for some other reason, and are they free now to come to Ireland?
§ Mr. DUKEIt depends on what they are suspected of. In the case of one or two men who are suspected of murder, if they come back to Ireland, so far as I am concerned they will have to stand their trial.
§ Mr. GINNELLI cannot leave the matter in that way—men suspected of connection with the insurrection; not murder at all.
§ Mr. DUKEIt is impossible for me to give a comprehensive answer. As I understand the matter, the Government will act in the spirit of the decision which has been announced with regard to the prisoners of the rebellion and with regard to the interned persons.