MR. AETHUE O'CONNOE (Donegal, E.)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is intended to take the Donegal Militia to the Curragh this year; what will be the extra expense involved in travelling and other charges; whether the Tyrone Militia were en camped lately at Omagh; and, why the same plan is not adopted in Donegal?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR DEPARTMENT (Mr. BRODRICK) (Surrey, Guildford)(who replied) said: A sum of £2,000 is provided in each year's Estimate for the cost of taking battalions of Irish Militia to train at the Curragh. This is considered to be a desirable arrangement, as many of the battalions have no opportunity in their own counties of associating with Regular troops, and some, from difficulties as to ranges, cannot go through their musketry course. The battalions go from their own counties to the Curragh, roughly, in rotation, the selection being made with great care by the Military Authorities in Ireland. The turn of the Donegal Militia to go to the Curragh came last year; but was deferred till this year, at the request of the officer commanding. The Tyrone Militia trained last year at Omagh, and will do so again this year; but in 1885 they went to the Curragh. The cost of sending the Donegal Militia to the Curragh is estimated at £900.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked that due notice should in future be given of the intentions with reference to this matter, so as to prevent unnecessary ex- 1399 penditure on the part of poor people who made a large portion of their living by these Militia.