§ MR. P. O'BRIEN (Monaghan, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether frequent complaints have been made of the head attendant temporarily appointed at the Central Asylum, Dundrum, Dublin; whether the man had any previous experience of the duties of the office; and whether, before confirming his appointment, the claims of other officers of long service in the establishment will be considered?
§ * THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. JACKSON, Leeds, N.)The Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums report that there have been no serious complaints against the officer referred to. The acting head attendant has had no previous asylum experience; he has held the position of a non-commissioned officer in the Army. As I have already stated, in reply to a question, the qualifications of all candidates will receive due consideration when a permanent appointment is being made to the post.
§ MR. P. O'BRIENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man has been reported for cowardice in dealing with a troublesome patient? Surely that is a serious charge?
§ * MR. JACKSONNo, I am not aware of that.
§ MR. P. O'BRIENBut I am.