asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been drawn to a newspaper report of an alleged statement by a member of the Dáil to the effect that the death of the late Mr. O'Connor, of Mullingar, lay at the Government's door; and whether he proposes to take any action or institute any inquiry in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mullingar Man's Death.
Mr. Boland
I have seen the report in question and I have written to the Deputy who is alleged to have made this statement asking him whether he did in fact make it, and, if so, on what grounds.
I think that a decision as to any further action or inquiry had better be postponed until the Deputy has had reasonable time to reply to my letter.
As, however, the report may be interpreted as suggesting that Mr. O'Connor did not receive proper medical attention while in custody, I may say that I am satisfied that there is no justification for any such suggestion. Mr. O'Connor was, in fact, removed to a private nursing home as soon as it became clear that he required special treatment and he remained in the home until his death, which occurred about a month afterwards.