§ MR. BODKINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of Thomas Butler, police pensioner, who was so severely injured by a gunshot wound accidentally inflicted by a comrade while on duty, at a police station in County Cork, that his forearm had to be amputated, and who was thereupon discharged on a pension of £10 16s. 8d. per annum; whether he is aware that Butler is now residing, in absolute penury, precariously supported by his friends, near Strokestown, in the County of Roscommon; and whether he will take steps to ameliorate as far as possible his position?
MR. J. MORLEYThe facts are substantially as stated in the first paragraph of the question. Butler's service in the Force was only two years and one month. Inquiry is being made into his present circumstances, and, if necessary, a further communication will be addressed to the Treasury on the matter.