asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that it is stated that the late Lieutenant Lanigan, after having been removed suffering from illness from his home, 3 Ponsonby Villa. Curragh Camp, to the General Military Hospital, on the 4th January, 1928, was left in violent pain without any medical assistance for two days; that repeated requests for medical attention were made by his wife, without avail; that it was stated to his wife on the 9th January, 1928, that an operation for appendicitis had been successfully performed; that subsequently two further operations were performed by a Dublin surgeon, after which the lieutenant died, and that this surgeon is reputed to have said that the appendix had not been removed in the first operation; and whether, in view of these allegations, it is proposed to hold an inquiry into the circumstances of the late Lieutenant Lanigan's death and to make a grant or give financial assistance to his widow.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CASE OF LIEUTENANT LANIGAN.
An operation for appendicular abscess was performed on the late Lieutenant Lanigan on 5th January, 1928. In accordance with the best surgical teaching and practice the appendix was not removed at this operation. Its removal was deferred until the 9th January, 1928. Owing to complications arising, a further operation was necessary. This third operation, I am sorry to say, failed to save the patient's life. I am not aware that on the 9th January, 1928, it was stated that an operation for appendicitis had been successfully performed. Such a statement, if made, would not have been at variance with facts. The first operation was performed by a military surgeon. The second and third were performed by a Dublin surgeon (attached to the Army as consultant). This Dublin surgeon repudiates the suggestion that he made any suggestion relative to the case which could be construed as a reflection on his military colleague. I am aware that allegations have been made as to neglect in the medical attention given to the deceased. These allegations have been fully inquired into, and I am satisfied that they are without foundation. I regret there are no funds at my disposal from which financial assistance could be granted to Mrs. Lanigan.