§ MR. MITCHELL HENRYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether it is the intention of the Board of Works in Ireland to carry on the repairs of the National Monuments for which funds have been vested in them under the 25th and 26th sections of the Irish Church Act, without obtaining the assistance of an Inspector specially skilled in the ancient architecture of Ireland?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, the Board consider the Act in reference to these monuments to be confined to their preservation and not to their restoration. For the former the assistance of a superintendent, skilled in practical appliances and technicalities of building, is, in their opinion, of the first importance, and such a person they contemplate employing. But should circumstances arise at any time to render it necessary that the advice of an archæologist should be obtained, they would feel it their duty to seek for such advice.