§ MR. W. J. CORBETasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If ho can state the number of deaths occurring annually in the Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dundrum, from the date of its opening to the present time; the number of post mortem examinations held annually; whether fees were paid to the former resident medical officer, or whether it was in the time of the present officer only that such fees commenced; and, whether it is a fact that the number of deaths and post mortem examinations latterly have been out of all proportion with those of former years?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, the number of deaths in each year could be given; but, as the Asylum has been open since the year 1850, they could not be conveniently stated in an answer to a Question. I am informed that, in consequence of some of the records of the asylum having been destroyed in a fire some years ago, the particulars as to post mortem examinations could not be given for an earlier period than 1870. The fire occurred before the appointment of the present Governor, who states, however, that, as far as he knows, fees for post mortem examina- 1409 tions were paid to his predecessor. It is true that, during the past 28 months, the number of deaths has been greater than in any similar period since the asylum was opened. The Inspectors state, however, that this is not referable to any particular exceptional causes.
§ MR. W. J. CORBETasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If an investigation has been held into a charge of tampering with the faith of a patient at the Criminal Lunatic Asylum, Dundrum, by refusing his request to be attended by the Roman Catholic Chaplain; whether the Report of the inquiry will be printed in the forthcoming Parliamentary Report on Lunatic Asylums in Ireland; and, if not, whether he will give it as a separate Paper?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, at the close of 1881 and beginning of 1882 an inquiry was held into various matters connected with the Dundrum Asylum— including religious observances. I am informed that there was no particular case brought under notice in which a patient entered on the books as a Roman Catholic was prevented from seeing the Roman Catholic chaplain. If the hon. Member will communicate to me any particulars which have been furnished to him of any such alleged case, I will inquire as to the facts and let him know the result. It is not intended to lay before Parliament the Report of the inquiry referred to.