MR. O'CONNOR POWERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If any steps have yet been taken to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission in reference to the abolition of Spike Island Convict Prison; and, if so, when it is likely that complete effect shall be given to that recommendation; and, if it is true that the Government have decided to establish a convict prison in Galway; and, if so, what reasons have induced them to select Galway for the purpose named?
§ MR. J. LOWTHER,in reply, said, that steps had been taken to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission in reference to this subject. The decision of the Government was that 686 Spike Island should be discontinued as a convict establishment. It was necessary, however, to make careful inquiries as to the selection of another place which should be suitable for that purpose, and after much deliberation the Irish. Government came to the conclusion that Galway would be such a place. A Commission had been appointed to consider and report upon the best means of carrying out that arrangement.