§ MR. DELANYTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he will inquire from the Board of Works, Dublin, the reason why the holiday which was formerly granted to the staff on New Year's Day is about to be discontinued; and, in view of the fact that in nearly every Government Department in Dublin, including the Chief Secretary's Office, as well as in numerous commercial offices, this day is given as a holiday, will he see that the same privilege is extended to the Board of Works officials, considering that the working of the Department was not hindered in any way by the arrangements made in former years.
(Answered by Mr. McKenna.) I am informed that the Board of Works have reconsidered the holidays granted to their staff with the view of bringing them into conformity with the general regulations and practice of the Civil Service, and have therefore excluded New Year's Day, which is not generally recognised as a holiday. I see no reason for interfering with this decision.