HC Deb 07 March 1902 vol 104 c725
MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state when Rathlin O'Birne Island lighthouse, on the coast of Donegal, will be made a relieving station; and what steps, if any, will be taken to provide that the lightkeepers of Rathlin O'Birne, who are now during the whole year precluded from attendance at divine service, shall have some opportunity of attendance at religious worship.

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I have communicated again with the Commissioners of Irish Lights upon this matter, and they repeat that they quite approve of the project of making Rathlin O'Birne a relieving station, and are prepared to advise that the same be carried into effect when suitable buildings shall have been erected for the families of the lightkeepers on the mainland. In the meantime, the difficulties of landing on the island, unfortunately, stand in the way of making provision for proper facilities for attendance at religious worship, and for the education of the children.