§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he has seen the Report read by Dr. Norman Connolly at the recent meeting of the Richmond Asylum, in which reference was made to the increase in the number of cases of alcoholic lunacy committed to that institution: whether he is aware that the Richmond Asylum authorities have, since the year 1900, made several representations to the Irish Government on this matter: and whether, in view of the state of the law as regards the care of alcoholic lunatics, and considering the revenue derived by the State from the sale of intoxicating liquor, he will recommend the establishment of a State Infirmary in Ireland for the treatment of persons who have become insane from excessive indulgence in intoxicating drinks.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The reply to the first and second queries is in the affirmative. The concluding part of 667 the Question suggests an amendment and widening of the existing law which provides for the establishment of institutions for the reception of habitual drunkards under certain prescribed conditions. I cannot give an undertaking such as suggested.