§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAMTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the circumstances attending the death of Sapper Michael O'Connell in the Military Hospital, Fermoy, from injuries caused by a fall from a window of the barrack room at Moor Park, Kilworth; is he aware that at the coroner's inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned, but no opportunity was afforded to the injury to view the scene of the accident or examine the construction and fastenings of the window through which Michael O'Connell was supposed to have forced himself while in a somnambulistic condition; if any inquiry into the circumstances has been held by the military authorities, and with what result; and whether, seeing that the relatives of Michael O'Connell were not professionally represented and no opportunity was given to sift and examine the evidence adduced, he will consider the necessity of directing a further inquiry to be held.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I have received from the police authorities a report in this matter, from which it appears that the fact is as stated in the first part of the Question. Full evidence in the case was given by the deceased's comrades and others. The jury ex- -pressed no desire to examine the scene of 155 the accident, but without hesitation found a verdict of accidental death. No evidence was given that the deceased was subject to somnambulism, and his father denied the suggestion. I am informed that a regimental court of inquiry was held, and that the finding of the court agreed with that of the coroner's jury. No further inquiry into the ease appears to be necessary.