§ MR. T. M. HEALY (Louth, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what is the reason for the disemployment of a number of men connected with the Phœnix Park; how many of the men so disemployed were Catholics and how many 635 of them were Protestants; Low many of them were entitled to and will receive superannuation, and how many of them Would have been so entitled had they been allowed to remain at their work a few years longer; did the Irish Commissioners of Works, as a body, consider each individual case; and can any Minute on the subject be furnished to the House.
§ MR. VICTOR CAVENDISHThere has been no special disemployment of labourers at the Phœnix Park. Of the men retired this year all have received or will receive gratuities under the Superannuation Acts, except one who was dismissed for irregular attendance after less than four years service. Nothing is known as to the religious beliefs of the employees. Every case of retirement or dismissal is directed by the Commissioners as a body. I see no reason for issuing a Minute, as suggested by the hon. and learned Member.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYThe hon. Gentleman has not answered my Question —how many men would have been entitled to a pension had they been allowed to remain at work a little longer time?
§ MR. VICTOR CAVENDISHThere is only one who will not receive a gratuity.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYThat is not the point. I am asking about pensions. It is the Treasury way of getting rid of these men and escaping the liability for pensions.