§ MR. J. P. FARRELLTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that whilst the capitation cost in Mullingar Asylum has gone up to 11s. per head the Government grant of 4s. remains the same; and whether, having regard to the increase of lunacy in Ireland and the decrease of population, coupled with an increase of taxation, the Government will consider the advisability of increasing the Irish capitation grant per head for asylum patients from 4s. to 7s. 6d. per head.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce). The net capitation cost in respect of maintenance in Mullingar Asylum amounts to 9s. 9d. per week; but, inclusive of repayments for loans in respect of buildings it is 12s. 8d. per week. The Government grant of 4s. per week is fixed by statute, and I am unable to hold out any hope of legislation to increase the amount. I am informed that the capitation cost in this asylum has not yet recently increased, as implied in the Question, but is now considerably less than it was a few years ago.