§ MR. MOOREI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the proceedings of the Sligo Asylum Board in connection with the case of attendant Gaffney; whether he is aware that Gaffney admitted having assaulted a lunatic patient under his charge by kicking him in the abdomen, causing serious injuries, but that, notwithstanding this, the asylum board have continued Gaffney as attendant; will he state what steps will be taken to protect 1123 the other lunatics from further violence on the part of this attendant; will any representation be made on the part of the Executive Government to the asylum authorities with reference to their inaction in this case; and will he direct the matter to be brought before the Law Officers with a view to considering a prosecution of this attendant.
§ MR. WYNDHAMMy attention has been drawn to this very painful case. The assault was committed on the 2nd April, and on the 4th April a sworn inquiry was held at the asylum by the Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums, as a result of which they strongly urged the asylum committee to dismiss attendant Gaffney. The committee, however, merely reprimanded him and warned him against a repetition of the offence. Proceedings were taken by the police against the man for assault, and on the 13th inst. he was convicted and sentenced to two months imprisonment. It is for the committee to decide whether Gaffney will be retained in the service of the asylum; the Executive has no power to remove him.