asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that the late Lieutenant Austin Mortimer, an Old I.R.A. man, of Lecanvey, Westport, County Mayo, was admitted to St. Bricin's Hospital in mid-September, 1949, having been certified by his local doctor as totally incapacitated due to heart disease and chronic asthma, and that at the end of September he was discharged by the medical authority of the hospital, having been certified not to be incapable of self-support by reason of permanent infirmity; and whether, in view of the fact that Lieutenant Mortimer died four days later as a result of his incapacity as certified by his local doctor, he will institute an inquiry into his death with a view to preventing similar action by the hospital authorities in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Death of Old I.R.A. Man.
The late Mr. Mortimer was subjected to a careful and searching examination by the Army Pensions Board from the 16th September to the 24th September, 1949, on which date he was discharged from hospital. The board found that the applicant suffered from chronic bronchitis with fibrosis and reported that in their opinion he was not incapable of self-support by reason of permanent infirmity. The medical examination did not reveal evidence of any disease in any condition to cause anticipation of a fatal outcome.
Mr. Mortimer died on the 4th October, 1949, of broncho pneumonia and cardiac debility. He had not broncho pneumonia on the date of his discharge from hospital when he was examined by the members of the board who found that his pulse, temperature and respirations were normal. Whilst every care is exercised by the board they cannot possibly foresee the consequences of an acute illness supervening on a chronic condition.
I do not propose to institute an inquiry into the death of Mr. Mortimer.