§ 79. Mr. KEATINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if individuals who have recently been arrested for political offences in Ireland are subjected to forcible feeding; and, in view of the consequences which followed similar treatment in previous cases, he will take immediate steps to prevent a recurrence of these consequences?
§ Mr. DUKENo person recently arrested in Ireland is being subjected to forcible feeding. Prisoners of various classes are, however, refusing food at the present time with either the pretence or the intention of exposing themselves to the peril of starvation, and it is, I fear, not unlikely that this dangerous proceeding may result in the suicidal death of some 747 such prisoner. This crime, like all others, the Executive is using every practicable means to prevent.
§ Mr. LYNCHCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there was forcible feeding in Limerick Gaol quite recently?
§ Mr. DUKEI really could not say offhand. It is quite conceivable that there was. When people are sent to prison for grave crimes the business of the Executive is to see that they undergo their sentences. It may be that there are cases in which artificial feeding has had to be resorted to, but it is not resorted to in any case without grave reasons which, I believe, would commend themselves to any humane person. The alternative is the course which has usually been followed, of leaving these excited men to run the risk of forfeiting their lives by an act which the law of their own Church, and the common law of humanity, regards as the criminal act of suicide.
§ Mr. LYNCHHas the legal position of the medical men ever been properly ascertained—that is to say, is the medical man forced by the prison rules to administer this discipline?
§ Mr. DUKEThat is a matter which, so far as legal authority goes, depends upon the declaration of law of the Lord Chief Justice of England some few years ago. The matter has never been decided authoritatively and expressly by any Court exercising jurisdiction in criminal matters. It may be that some occasion will arise when it will have to be decided.
§ Mr. KEATINGWould the right hon. Gentleman consider the inadvisability of arresting these men without making proper inquiries into the importance of their crimes?