§ DR. MACDONNELL (Queen's Co., Leix)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mrs. Maria Dickie has been appointed to the position of lady inspector of boarded-out children of Irish Unions by the Local Government Board; will he state whether any of the Local Boards were consulted as to this appointment; and, in view of the fact that the religion to which the majority of these children belong is Roman Catholic, will he say to what religious persuasion this lady belongs, and what experience she has enabling her to perform the duties of the office.
(Answer.) Mrs. Dickie has been appointed to the position mentioned. The appointment of such an officer was strongly urged by an influential deputation received by me in January last. The deputation was representative of philanthropic associations and of many members of Poor Law Boards. I had no information as to the lady's religion when she was appointed, nor did I make 369 inquiry into the matter. I now understand, however, that she is not a Roman Catholic. She is highly qualified for the post, having had considerable experience of Poor Law work in England and of relief administration in connection with the Factories Acts. As inspector of boarded-out children she will have to work amongst Protestant Ladies' Visiting Committees in Ulster as well as Roman Catholic Committees elsewhere.—(Irish Office.)