§ MR. W. REDMONDasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is the fact that for four years after the inauguration of the Lower Division system, the clerks of that Division appointed to the office of National Education, Dublin, were in the enjoyment of six weeks' annual leave; whether, without any reason being assigned, this leave was in 1880 curtailed to two weeks; whether, also since increased, there is yet a marked disparity between their vacation and that granted to the other clerks of the Department; whether there is any difference in the duties which would warrant this disparity in the leave; and, whether, under the circumstances of the case, he will use his influence with the Commissioners to obtain for these gentlemen the leave of absence formerly enjoyed by them?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe Education Commissioners inform me that it is the case that at one time the clerks of the Lower Division in their Office were allowed six weeks' leave; but that it was found not only that the requirements of the Office made this inconvenient, but that it was at variance with the practice in other Departments. These clerks are now allowed three weeks' leave, which is more than is enjoyed by those in a similar position in many other Offices. The Establishment clerks are allowed, as formerly, six weeks' leave. There is an essential difference, both as regards status and duties, between the two Divisions of the Service. It is sometimes the case that some of the 1315 Lower Division clerks are intrusted with certain duties in common with some of the Establishment clerks; but this is resorted to only when an Establishment clerk is not available. The Commissioners do not intend to alter the present arrangements.