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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Nov 1927

Vol. 21 No. 17

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - INSANE PRISONER—QUESTION OF COMPENSATION.

asked the Minister for Justice if he has considered the question of awarding compensation to Mrs. Keane, Carrick, Newport, County Mayo, for the loss sustained by her through her son Peter becoming insane during imprisonment in Maryborough, and being now an inmate of Castlebar Mental Hospital, and if not, will he have the matter considered.

The statement that the convict referred to became insane as a result of his imprisonment is not true. While in prison he received careful attention from the medical officer who reported that Keane's mental condition on discharge was nothing worse than when he was received. His general health improved while in prison.

That statement is not correct. I myself brought the young man to the lunatic asylum and I saw him on the night he came home. He was not able to recognise his friends and had to be guarded with the greatest care. I think that Mrs. Keane, who has suffered such a terrible loss, should certainly be considered.

I do not admit that his mental condition was worse than when he was admitted.

I did not expect you to do so.

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