§ DR. TANNER (Cork, Mid)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the blind man, named James Madden, who was recently deprived of out-door relief, was, when formerly in the workhouse, granted a pass every second day to visit Dr. Sandford, an ophthalmic specialist in Cork; whether the treatment was successful, and whether Madden is now granted the same opportunity; and whether the Vice Guardians had received any medical expression of opinion on Madden's case prior to depriving him, his wife, and six children of their allowance of six shillings a week?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Vice Guardians have no information as to the extern medical aid Madden may have sought when a former inmate of the workhouse. Any inmate can obtain a pass for the purpose of visiting a medical specialist. Madden has not re-entered the workhouse. The Vice Guardians' action in ordering that Madden should be admitted into the workhouse, with a view to his receiving treatment in the hospital, was supported by a medical certificate to the effect that he would be better there than at home.
§ DR. TANNERIs it not the fact that this man was sent to a specialist by the order of the Guardians, and was advised to enter the workhouse so that he might receive medical treatment there?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have no information as to what medical advice this man received.
§ DR. TANNERWas he not sent to Dr. Sandford by the order of the Board of Guardians on the recommendation of the medical staff?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThat is a matter upon which I have no information.
§ DR. TANNERThen I will put down the Question for another day.