HC Deb 18 March 1897 vol 47 cc930-1
MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether Head Inspector Sullivan, of the National Board, who had been removed from Dublin to Galway, was removed by the Board of Commissioners or by the Resident Commissioner; (2) how long had he been in charge of the Dublin district when he was removed; (3) if it was stated to the Board that he was re-transferred to Galway because his appointment to Dublin would cause friction; (4) did the Board ever inquire who made the allegation, or from what source the friction was likely to arise; (5) whether any charge was ever made against Mr. Sullivan during his time in the Board's service?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The Board of National Education State that the removal of Mr. Sullivan, Head Inspector, from Dublin to Galway was in pursuance of Order of the Resident Commissioner in the ordinary exercise of his functions. Mr. Sullivan was twenty days in Dublin. The Minute of the Board, dated 17th November, 1896, which is the only official record of the Acts of the Commissioners is as follows— Ordered that Mr. Sullivan be informed that his letter of the 30th October has been before the Board and has been duly considered, but that the Commissioners see no reason to interfere with the arrangements already made, by which, after he had declined to take charge of the Belfast Circuit, he was reappointed to Galway. The reply to the last paragraph is in the negative.

MR. T. HARRINGTON (Dublin, Harbour)

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether any answer has been given as to the complaint and friction which arose out of the appointment. Have the National Board declined to answer that?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I have given to the House all the information at my disposal, and I have read the Minute of the Commissioners on the subject. Any private representations that have been made are not within my knowledge.

MR. HARRINGTON

If we move for the letter of Mr. Sullivan to be laid on the Table as a Return will the right hon. Gentleman agree to give it?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I cannot answer that without communicating with the Commissioners.

MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)

Might I ask why this Gentleman declined to take charge of the Belfast circuit?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am not aware.