HC Deb 20 March 1885 vol 296 cc46-7
MR. SEXTON

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, in a letter written in July 1883, the Lord Lieutenant highly commended the conduct of Sergeant M 'Canley and Constables Cronin, Grey, and Mi-nogue, of the Doocastle (county Sligo) Constabulary Station, who, finding that a girl named Margaret Raftery was lying ill of an infectious fever, with no one to attend upon her, "attended her at the risk of catching the infection, ministered to her wants, and used their utmost exertions to save her life; "whether, although the Lord Lieutenant caused to be conveyed to the men the expression of his satisfaction and commendation, they had not received a favourable record in recognition of their humanity and courage; and, whether a favourable record will now be made in their regard?

MR. CAMPBELL—BANNERMAN

It is quite true that the Lord Lieutenant did, in September, 1883, express high commendation of the humanity and courage displayed by these four men in the circumstances set forth in the Question, and such commendations have always been regarded as distinguished marks of approval for those who receive them. I believe it is usual for the recipients of such communications, or for their immediate officers, to take the steps necessary to bring the case under the notice of the Board who adjudge favourable records, and that this has not been done in the present instance.