§ 26. Mr. JOHN ROCHEasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Local Government Board inspector visited the female bedrooms between eight and nine o'clock p.m. about the 1st of January last in the Ballinasloe Union; and whether he will direct that visits in the future will be made within proper hours?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOn the 19th January the inspector of the Local Government Board carried out his usual inspection of the Ballinasloe Workhouse. About eight p.m. he proceeded, as a part of his duty, to take a census of the inmates. He was accompanied by the master of the workhouse, and, on arriving at the female side of the institution, he requested that the matron should also accompany him, but she was not available. This census is a necessary part of the duty of inspection, and must be performed after the inmates have retired to their respective wards. On such occasions the inspector is accompanied by a responsible official of the union.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEHow is it that the inspection was carried on on this occasion, the inspector not being accompanied by a responsible official?
§ Mr. BIRRELLHe was accompanied by the master of the workhouse, but the lady was not on the premises.