HC Deb 26 April 1901 vol 92 c1452
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether prisoners who become insane while awaiting trial, or during their sentences, in Ireland are maintained out of Imperial sources, or out of the funds for the maintenance of the lunatic poor.

MR. WYNDHAM

Prisoners who become insane while awaiting trial, or during their sentences, are removed to the lunatic asylum of the district in which the gaol is situate; their cost, consequently, falls on the funds for the maintenance of the lunatic poor. In exceptional cases prisoners who become insane while serving a sentence of imprisonment are sent to Dundrum Central Criminal Lunatic Asylum, maintained out of Imperial sources, but prisoners awaiting trial cannot be committed to that asylum, and must be transferred to the district lunatic asylum.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Is it not the fact that in England, when prisoners become insane while in prison, they are sent to prisons for the insane, and not to public asylums? Cannot the same practice be carried out in Ireland?

MR. WYNDHAM

The accommodation for State prisoners in Ireland is very limited, but I am considering what can be done. I see the point raised by the hon. Member.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Yes, it is very hard upon Irishmen.