§ MR. NANNETTITo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a prisoner, named Richard O'Brien, who was committed to Mountjoy prison on 23rd ultimo, died within a few hours of his admission without any medical attendance, notwithstanding that there are two resident medical officers attached to the said prison; and if he can explain why both the medical officers were absent from duty upon the occasion referred to, and what steps, if any, have been taken to prevent a recurrence of such neglect; and whether the governor or deputy-governor took any steps to provide the deceased with any stimulants or other medical aid before death.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Richard O'Brien was admitted to Mountjoy prison at 1.30 p.m. on the day mentioned and was then apparently in normal health. He was found in a moribund state at 4.35 p.m., and died in a quarter of an hour from heart disease. One resident medical officer was on leave, his substitute went on duty at four o'clock, and the other medical officer did not return till 5.28 p.m. The coroner's jury expressed the opinion that no doctor could have saved the prisoner's life, but that the prison should never be without a doctor. Orders to that effect were, and are, in force; the neglect to comply with them has been dealt with, and steps have been taken to ensure their strict observance for the future. No stimulants were administered. The hospital warder obtained brandy for the purpose from the hospital, but found the prisoner dead on his return.