asked the Minister for Justice how many prisoners have been transferred during the past twelve months to Dundrum Asylum, and how many have been released owing to mental affection arising from prison treatment.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - MENTAL AFFECTION AND PRISON TREATMENT.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health how many persons, who have been imprisoned since 28th June, 1922, are now inmates of mental institutions.
I propose to answer question No. 7 and question No. 15 addressed to the Minister for Local Government and Public Health together. During the past 12 months, two prisoners were transferred to Dundrum Asylum. One of these was however re-transferred to prison as the asylum authorities were not satisfied that he was insane. No prisoner was released during that period owing to mental affection. Forty-three persons imprisoned since the 28th June, 1922, are now inmates of mental institutions, 15 of these being in Dundrum and 28 in other institutions. Of the 43, 38 were insane on committal or found incapable of pleading, or found guilty but insane by the jury. There were therefore only 5 persons who apparently developed insanity in prison. It would take too long to read out the particulars of the 38 cases, but I have circulated such particulars for the information of the Deputy. I had perhaps better read out the particulars of the 5 cases where it might be said insanity was developed in prison. (Particulars read.)
What is there in either of these questions which necessitates the reading out of these details, which will give pain to the relatives?
I think the Minister for Justice and Deputy Ruttledge might consider whether it is advisable to take the action suggested and circulate in the Official Report particulars of these cases. Perhaps if the Minister supplied Deputy Ruttledge with the particulars that might be sufficient.
I am satisfied with that. Is it not the practice of the authority responsible to release or discharge prisoners who show symptoms of insanity so that they may become a charge on local taxation?
That is not a fact.
The Minister has said nothing about a prisoner named Keogh. Will that be in the particulars circulated?
That prisoner is not at present in any asylum, as very possibly Deputy Ruttledge is aware.
I have some doubts about the answer giving particulars even of the five prisoners whose names have been mentioned. I will consult with the Minister as to whether we will insert in the Official Report that particular part of the answer. If the Deputy and the Minister were agreeable we might leave the particulars out of the Official Report.
I am satisfied.
I agree.