asked the Minister for Justice if he will state, with reference to the release on Saturday, 15th February of Mr. Richard Behal from Mountjoy Gaol, the date and time of the last examination of Mr. Behal by the Prison Medical Officer; what were the terms of the report made by him as to the fitness of Mr. Behal to travel unaided on his discharge from prison; if he is aware that the released prisoner was examined by a city doctor who had him sent immediately to a Dublin hospital; why in view of this an ambulance was not provided for this prisoner who was in a state of near collapse; what regulations govern the release of prisoners in such circumstances; whether they were fully complied with in this case; and if in order to allay public disquiet occasioned by the treatment and release of Mr. Behal he will concede the principle of political treatment of prisoners imbued with a high sense of idealism.

The person in question was examined by the prison medical officer immediately before discharge and was certified fit for discharge. He refused transportation to his destination.

Would the Minister state if the Government Information Bureau issued a statement to the effect that the prisoner was not on hunger strike and was receiving political treatment?

That is an entirely different matter.

But does the Minister agree, Sir?

It is outside the scope of the question.