MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the attendance to the rocks and isles on the south coast of Ireland lighthouses is better now than when performed by the local contractors; what is the difference in the expenditure between the steamer employed now and the former attendance by local contractors; whether a promise was given that the Tearaght, the Skellip, Rock-a-Bill, Beeves Rock, and the Maiden's Rocks should be made relieving stations; whether he is aware that families have to live on these places for three or four years without education or divine worship; and whether the promise with respect to these rocks will now be fulfilled?
§ MR. BURTThe attendance by steamer costs more than twice what it did when undertaken by local contractors, but it is far more regularly and efficiently performed than by their small sailing luggers. Whilst the Commissioners of Irish Lights do not appear to have made such a promise as is implied in the question, they are alive to the desirability of making some of their more exposed lighthouses relief stations. The men usually stay at a station for the length of time mentioned. The question of providing facilities for education and church attendance for the families of those who are employed on rock lighthouses which are not relieving stations is one of much difficulty, but the Commissioners state that these points are taken into consideration on all occasions as much as is consistent with the interests of the Service.
MR. T. M. HEALYThe hon. Member says the expense of the attendance by steamer is more than double; upon whom does the extra burden fall?
§ MR. BURTI am not prepared to answer that question. If the hon. and learned Member wishes for any supplemental information I will ask him to put his question down.