§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what medical classification of patients is adopted at the Dundrum Criminal Lunatic Asylum in Ireland?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums report that the classification is the same as that adopted in other lunatic asylums.
§ DR. TANNERIs it not the fact that the patients are divided into three classes—violent, semi-idiotic, and quiet?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI am not aware. I have no practical knowledge.
§ DR. TANNERI will put the question down again in order to afford the right hon. Gentleman an opportunity of answering it in a proper manner. I have now further to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland how many attendants were allowed out on leave from the Dundrum Asylum, on the occasion of the recent disturbance, when the band instruments were broken; what was the value of these instruments; what class were the patients who created the disturbance; what steps are taken usually to discriminate in the employment of violent and orderly patients; whether it is usual, in the asylum in question, when warder attendants are allowed out on pass, to fill their places pro tern. by men of the Royal Irish Con stabulary, and how many attendants were on special and ordinary leave on the occasion in question?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums report that:—(1.) Eight attendants were out on pass when the instruments were broken, all patients, except the bandsmen, being in bed. (2.) Original price £18; but the instruments had been long in use, and they can be repaired. (3.) The patients creating disturbance suffered from mania with excitement. (4.) Resident physicians discriminate as to the fitness for employment of violent and orderly patients by observation and experience. (5.) It is not usual to fill the places of warders on pass by men of the Royal Irish Constabulary.
§ MR. WILLIAM CORBET) (Wicklow, E.I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if a Departmental Inquiry was held relative to the recent disturbance at the Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dundrum, when the police were called in to quell the disturbance; what was the result thereof, and can the Report be laid upon the Table?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOUROne of the Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums inquired into, and reported on, the matter. The disturbance was not of a serious nature, and no Departmental inquiry was deemed necessary.
§ DR. TANNERWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the matter, and ascertain upon what grounds the police were called in, and whether, according to the evidence, the conduct of the warders was not most brutal?
§ MR. A. J, BALFOURI must protest against the language used by the hon. Member.