§ MR. SEXTONasked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, What is the legal force of the sealed order of the Irish Local Government Board dismissing Dr. Joseph E. Kenny from his official position as medical officer to the North Dublin Union Board of Guardians; whether the order will operate against the election of Dr. Kenny at any time hereafter by a Board of Poor Law Guardians to any official position, or against any election or appointment of him to any position in the public service; and, if the order has not this force, to what extent is it operative; and if it has, will it be withdrawn and cancelled? In putting the Question, he begged to observe that a statement upon the subject had been 1922 made in the House; but perhaps the right hon. and learned. Attorney General could give some further information.
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON)Sir, I am not quite acquainted with the circumstances of the statement alluded to by the hon. Member opposite (Mr. Sexton); but the answer I am prepared to give is this. I am not aware what construction the Local Government Board in Ireland may put on this order; but, on its construction as a matter of law, I am of opinion that it does not operate against Dr. Kenny's election hereafter by a Board of Guardians to any official position, or against his election or appointment to any other position in the Public Service for which he may be eligible.
§ MR. HEALYasked, whether it was brought under the official cognizance of the right hon. and learned Gentleman that the Act of Parliament was the same in the case of Mr. Thomas Mahoney, Clerk of the Case he comer Union, yet a sealed order was not sent?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. W. M. JOHNSON),in reply, said, he should rely upon his official privilege not to answer the inquiry.