§ MR. MOONEY (Dublin County, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state for what offence Shoemaker Attendant James M'Keough, of His Majesty's asylum, Dundrum, was called on to resign on July 11th, 1903 and why he was not allowed an opportunity of defending himself; and if, having regard to his state of health, he will grant him an inquiry to clear his character and obtain redress.
§ MR. ATKINSON (for Mr. WYNDHAM)Three inquiries on oath were held by the Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums into the conduct of this attendant, at each of which he was afforded every opportunity of defending himself. As a result of the third inquiry he was called upon to resign on the grounds of insubordinate conduct and failure to satisfactorily discharge his 1487 duties. He refused to resign and was dismissed. It is not proposed to direct a further inquiry in the matter as suggested.
§ MR. MOONEYIs it not the fact that this man, after ten and a-half years service, was dismissed on a secret report, and that he demanded a public inquiry which has not yet been held?
§ MR. ATKINSONI do not know whether the inquiry was public or private. It was held according to the rules of the Lunacy Department.
§ MR. HAYDEN (Roscommon, S)What was the act of insubordination?
§ [No Answer was returned.]
§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)Was the man dismissed because he was physically unfit.
§ MR. ATKINSONNo, for insubordination and improper discharge of his duties.