§ COLONEL KING-HARMANasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What steps the Government have taken, or proposes to take, with reference to Doctor O'Neill, who holds the three offices of Medical Officer to the Fever Hospital and Union Infirmary of Athy, of President of the Local Land League, and of Coroner; and, whether, in case a patient in the Fever Hospital dies in consequence of Doctor O'Neill's absence in pursuance of his duties as Chairman of the Land League, the inquest, if a charge of neglect be preferred, will be held by Doctor O'Neill in his capacity as Coroner?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe Local Government Board do not propose to interfere in regard to Dr. O'Neill unless any case arises in which his attendance at the workhouse is neglected by reason of his employment as Coroner, or in which a patient in the workhouse or hospital suffers from his absence. If such a case should arise, it will be necessary to consider the question of requiring him to resign his appointment as Medical Officer. The provisions of Section 2 of the Coroners Act, 1881, would prevent Dr. O'Neill from holding an inquest in such circumstances as are suggested in the last paragraph of the Question.