asked the Minister for Defence (1) whether the Saorstát authorities asked the British authorities to apprehend and hand over Miss Grace Lally, of London; (2) if so, why; (3) further, to state the reasons for the continued detention of Miss Lally; (4) whether, in spite of the statements of her friends to the contrary, the Ministry have any evidence that Miss Lally has been engaged in active hostilities against the Saorstát; (5) if so, what is the nature of the evidence and what particular form have Miss Lally's anti-Saorstát activities taken.

The Government asked the British authorities that Miss Grace Lally would be included in the list of persons for apprehension on the grounds that she was suspected of having taken part in a conspiracy to assist the Irregulars now in armed opposition to the Government.

Miss Lally has made no representations either to the Government here or to the Home Secretary in London that she has not so acted.

It would not be in the public interest at present to disclose the nature of the evidence as to her activities.

Is the Minister satisfied that there is evidence in this case?

I am satisfied that the detention is warranted at present.