MR. O'KEEFFEI beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland what is the result of his promised inquiry as to the condition of Francis Tully, prisoner in Limerick Gaol for a term of 12 months' imprisonment, and who has been certified by the District Prison Surgeon to be suffering from catarrhal ophthalmia; and if he can state the nature of his offence, by what Magistrate tried, and what period he has been in gaol?
§ MR. MADDENThe General Prisons Board inform me that the Medical "Officer of the prison reports that the prisoner, Francis Tully, had been treated for slight catarrhal ophthalmia, but that he is now well and his general health good. The prisoner is undergoing sentences of two terms of imprisonment of six months each—one for assaulting a bailiff, the other for resisting and obstructing the Sub-sheriff. The committing Magistrates were Mr. Hickson, R.M., and Mr. Brady, R.M. He has now been 10 months in prison.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)Considering the numerous cases which have been brought to the notice of the Government of ophthalmia arising from imprisonment in Irish gaols, have they any objection to order an inquiry to be made in order to ascertain whether whitewashed walls have any injurious effect upon the eyesight?
§ MR. MADDENAs questions upon that subject have already been put to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, I think it would be better that the question should be repeated when he is in his place.