§ MR. JOHN O'CONNOR (Tipperary, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is usual, in Ireland, to keep in prison for the full term of their sentences convicts who have developed symptoms of insanity, and who do not recover; and has the convict Hehir, now confined in Dundrum, shown any signs of recovery from the madness from which he is admittedly suffering; and, if not, will he be released?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.When a convict in Ireland is found to be insane while undergoing a term of imprisonment he is not kept in prison, but is transferred to the Central Criminal Lunatic Asylum at Dundrum. This practice has been followed in the case of the convict mentioned. He has not so far, I am informed, shown any sign of recovery.
§ MR. JOHN O'CONNORWill he be released?
§ MR. JACKSONI do not quite see that insanity is in itself a justification for release. The prisoner must be in such a condition that it would not be safe to release him.
§ MR. JOHN O'CONNORWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the case personally?
§ MR. JACKSONIf the hon. Gentleman has any information I shall be glad to receive it and to inquire into the case.