§ MR. C. J. ENGLEDOW (Kildare, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether he is aware that the infirmary of the county of Carlow is almost entirely supported by money voted by the Grand Jury of that county from the public funds at its disposal, and as there appear to be grave doubts as to whether the funds thus voted are applied in accordance with the law providing for and governing these institutions, and also as the accounts of this institution are not audited by a Government official, he will take steps to have the expenditure of these public moneys audited by a Government auditor, and see if the provisions of the law are carried out; and, (2) whether the incumbent of the Protestant Church in the town of Carlow has ex officio any legal right to act as a governor of that body since the Disestablishment of the Protestant Church in Ireland.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI understand that the Carlow Infirmary is almost entirely supported by money voted by the Grand Jury of the county. An audit of the accounts of county infirmaries would appear to be desirable, though it is a question whether legislation would not be necessary for the purpose. However, I shall look further into the matter, and see whether it is possible to carry out this object under the existing law. In reply to the last paragraph I am advised that the incumbent of the Protestant Church is still entitled to act as ex officio member of the Board of Governors, and that he has not been deprived of his rights in this regard.