§ MR. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, "Whether the police at Kilmoree, county Mayo, recently received information that a girl named Bridget Raftrey had been dead for two days previous at a place called Arbour; whether they found her lying naked on the floor of a but, having apparently perished of want; whether the relieving officer of the district was previously made aware of the girl's condition, and, although passing the house, never called until after her death; and, if he will inquire into the conduct of the relieving officer, and obtain a report on the case?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, the girl referred to was a servant, who, while living alone in the house of her employer—he being in England and his wife ill of fever in hospital—was attacked with fever. The police found her lying on the floor as stated. They at first believed her to be dead, and so informed the relieving officer. The people of the village would not go near her, fearing infection; but the police acted with great humanity, and did what they could for her. As soon as they discovered that she was not dead, but in a state of coma, they sent word to the relieving officer, who lived seven miles off. Whether, after this, there was any culpable delay on the part of the relieving officer, or in the provision of a nurse, is, I think, a matter calling for further inquiry, which I have directed to be at once made.