§ * MR. FLAVINI beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture for Ireland whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in connection with the Royal Veterinary College for Ireland, owing to the fact that out of twenty-eight governors in that institution only four are veterinary surgeons, and also to the fact that of the four veterinary surgeons on the Board none are Roman Catholics; and whether, owing to the very large number of Roman Catholic students and veterinary surgeons in Ireland, steps will be taken to give representation on the Board by the appointment or otherwise of a reasonable number of Roman Catholic veterinary surgeons.
§ MR. PLUNKETTA desire has been expressed by some members of the veterinary profession to have a larger representation on the governing body of the Royal Veterinary College of Ireland, but I am not aware that any dissatisfaction exists as to the religious complexion of the existing representation. At present twelve governor's are Roman Catholics. Considerations of religion have not entered into the appointments referred to in the question, and it is to be hoped that they will not do so in any future appointments.
§ * MR. FLAVINCan the right hon. Gentleman say why, with four veterinary surgeons on the Board, there is no Catholic amongst them?
§ MR. PLUNKETTI suppose through other qualifications.