§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been, directed to a letter in the public press by the Rev. I. M'Ateer, Catholic Curate, Glencolumbkill, county Donegal, stating that between 40 and 50 families in his own district have been kept for upwards of a fortnight in the direst need, owing to the delay arising from the practice, which requires all applications f[...]oyment on relief works to be grant [...]ot by the local authorities, but by [...]fficials in Dublin Castle, and directing notice to the fact that he, although intimately acquainted with the circumstances of his parishioners, had not been consulted in the distribution of employment on the relief works, but that his suggestions that work should be given to a number of the most needy cases, a list of whose names he furnished, were disregarded; and whether lie will direct that communications between the local superintendents at the relief works and the Castle authorities be carried on with greater expedition, and that inquiries be made into the matters complained of in Father M'Ateer's letter.
MR. J. MORLEYI have seen the published letter of the reverend gentleman, to which reference is made. In replying to my hon. and learned Friend's previous question, on the 14th inst., I stated that the onus of determining who are eligible for employment on relief works devolves upon the Local Government Board, and that the Castle authorities in no way interfere in the selection of the persons to be employed. This duty is a most important one, and the Inspectors of the Local Government Board are fully alive to the responsibilities falling upon them in this respect. It is open to clergymen and others to forward to the Local Government Board the names of persons who are considered deserving of employment, but experience has conclusively shown that in the administration of State relief it is absolutely necessary that the determining voice in the selection of the recipients of that relief shall be officials who are responsible to the Government, and free from local pressure and interests. The rules framed fur the employment o persons on works were drawn up with great care, and in the light of previous experience, and it is not proposed to alter them. I am satisfied that no unnecessary delay is allowed to elapse in giving employment to all who are considered qualified for it.
MR. MACNEILLLWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly inquire into the matter, and see that the Inspectors of the Local Government Board do not treat the representations of those, who know the locality with contemptuous disregard?
§ MR. T. SEXTON (Kerry, N.)If the rules are so carefully drawn up, why is it necessary to have to refer to Dublin?
MR. J. MORLEYWhen I was last in Ireland I had an interview with most of the Local Government Board Inspectors, and instructions were given. I do not think it was necessary that in ever ease they should, as far as possible, visit the clergy, and obtain their views. If we were to allow the local authorities under pressure of the local interests to place as many persons as they like on the list, it would place them in an unfair position, and take about eight time as much money as is proposed. I shall give instructions not to lose time.
§ COLONEL NOLAN (Galway, N.)Do I understand that the Chief Secretary really means it would cost eight times more.