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Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 23 May 1930

Vol. 34 No. 20

Rotunda Hospital Mastership—Deputy's Withdrawal.

Last night, while discussing the Estimate connected with Government grants to certain of the Dublin hospitals, a statement was made by Deputy Little that he was informed that the present Master of the Rotunda had changed his religion so as to secure election to the Mastership; and further, that the Charter of the Rotunda Hospital contained a provision which banned a Catholic doctor from being elected to the Mastership. These may not have been the Deputy's exact words, but I think they convey the meaning of what he did say. I am authorised by the present Master of the Rotunda to say it is a foul lie to mention that he ever changed his religion, either in order to secure election to the Mastership or for any other reason whatsoever; and secondly, there is no provision in the Charter of the Hospital limiting election to the Mastership in any way whatsoever because of any religious beliefs that the candidates for office may hold.

The Deputy should not have used the words "foul lie." He simply wants to draw attention to a certain statement.

What I have mentioned is a statement made by the Master of the Rotunda.

No matter who makes the statement, Deputy Sir James Craig should not use the words "foul lie" here.

I withdraw those words.

I am glad to be able to offer an unreserved withdrawal of the statement that the present Master of the Rotunda was obliged to change his religion in order to fill that position, and I offer a frank apology for having wounded his feelings in the matter.

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