Major NEWMAN:

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the medical officer and staff of the Monaghan Lunatic Asylum, with the aid of the inmates, seized at the beginning of this month the asylum buildings and established a local soviet or committee, consisting of the staff and inmates, to run the asylum; whether the local authorities were unable to effect an entry to put an end to the committee's rule; and will he say what is the present situation?

It is a fact that a strike of the subordinate staff of the asylum occurred as stated in the question, but the medical superintendent was not identified with it, as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member. For some time the committee of management were unable to effect an entry into the asylum buildings. The staff have resumed duty, and representations made by them are now under consideration.

Major NEWMAN:

Has anybody been punished amongst the staff for this outbreak?

It is a matter for the asylum authorities. No representation has been made to the Government that anybody was punished.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only successfully conducted institutions in Ireland are the lunatic asylums?

My view is that not only the lunacy but all other Irish Departments are admirably conducted.