§ Mr. THOMAS F. SMYTHasked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that towards the latter end of June, 1909, a decree was given at petty sessions against a man named Patrick Kiernan, residing at Cornaughy, Carrigallen, county Leitrim, for 5s. 6d. and costs for trespass; that Kiernan, who was a lunatic, took no defence, and the police seized a cow worth about £12 and took her to Newtowngore, where they state the animal was sold, although the balance of the money has never been paid to Kiernan or anyone belonging to him; and if instructions will be given to the police authorities to pay Kiernan's wife, who has returned from America since her husband was committed to the asylum, the balance of the price of the cow, after deducting all expenses, as this woman and her children are in poor circumstances?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the police, authorities that in June last a warrant against Kiernan for 4s. and 2s. costs was executed, after all endeavours to obtain the money otherwise had failed, by seizing a cow, which was sold for £4. Kiernan refused the balance of £3 8s. 3d. which was left after paying expenses, and was soon afterwards committed to the Sligo Asylum as a dangerous lunatic. The money has since been retained by the police, there being no person who could give a good legal discharge for it. As, however, it now appears that the money is required for the maintenance of the lunatic's wife and children, I am advised that it may be paid to the wife, and instructions to that effect will be given to the police.