MR. P. O'BRIENOn behalf of the honourable Member for East Clare, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the retiring resident superintendent of the Ennis Asylum has undertaken to act till his successor is appointed; and if, under these circumstances, the Government will leave the question of a fresh appointment till the Clare County Council is elected?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am not aware that the retiring Resident Medical Superintendent of the Ennis Asylum has undertaken to act till his successor is appointed; but the Assistant Medical Officer is, I understand, a very efficient officer, and the Government are willing to postpone for the present the appointment of a Resident Medical Superintendent. It must be understood, however, that I cannot give an unconditional pledge that no appointment will be made before the new Asylum Committee is constituted.