§ MR. J. G. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether, in September last, on the post of chief attendant 1529 in the National Library, Dublin, becoming vacant, Mr. T. H. Evans, who was appointed to the post by the Trustees, was strongly recommended for the maximum rate of pay, the recommendation being supported by the Director and Librarian of the National Library; whether, after seven months' delay, a letter was received from the Science and Art Department, stating that Mr. Evans would have to proceed to the maximum salary by the usual yearly increment, and, about six weeks later, another letter was sent by the Department stating that the increase was made through error, and requested Mr. Evans to refund the money paid; and whether steps will be taken to refund to Mr. Evans the money accruing to his post since his appointment by the Trustees in September last?
§ THE VICE-PEESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL FOR EDUCATION (Sir J. E. GORST)The recommendation of the Trustees of the National Library, Dublin, was received on October 14th. In November, the Department stated that Mr. Evans must proceed by the usual yearly increment. In December, the Trustees were informed that, according to Treasury regulations, the Department had exceeded its power, and could not sanction the increase. Mr. Evans has been overpaid to the amount of 12s. 3d. I understand he has been told that this sum will have to be refunded, but I do not think this will be necessary.