§ 20. Mr. JOHN ROCHEasked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the amount paid for the last three years to Patrick Fitzpatrick for commodities supplied by him as contractor to the Ballinasloe, county Galway, Asylum, and who is at present contractor for forty-two different commodities; whether he is aware that most, if not all, the paying orders were signed by Patrick Larkin, county councillor, who is a brother-in-law of Fitzpatrick's and a member of the asylum committee, and lodged to the credit of Larkin's own account; that it was shown some of the goods were purchased 708 and delivered by Larkin; that some of the same were found by the Local Government Board inspector to be adulterated to the extent of 50 per cent.; and whether he will take steps to have this matter thoroughly investigated by a sworn inquiry, the interest of the ratepayers protected, and the guilty parties punished?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe inspectors of lunatics inform me that during the last three financial years Mr. Patrick Fitzpatrick was paid £2,923 for goods supplied to the Ballinasloe Asylum. The Local Government Board's auditor, in his report on the accounts of the asylum, called attention to the fact that some of the paying orders drawn in favour of Mr. Fitzpatrick had been lodged to the credit of his brother-in-law, Mr. P. Larkin, who is a member of the asylum committee. He also stated that Fitzpatrick supplied oil to the asylum which on analysis proved to be adulterated 50 per cent., and that the Committee had fined the contractor and relieved him of his contract. The committee have referred the auditor's report to their solicitor for advice as to the steps they should take in the matter, and in the meantime no action on my part is called for.