HC Deb 31 July 1907 vol 179 cc967-8
MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Irish Government have the power to call for the resignation of any or all of the Commissioners of National Education on the grounds of old age or other unfitness to perform the duties of the office.

MR. BIRRELL

Under the terms of the Supplemental Charter of 1861 each of the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland holds office during the pleasure of the Lord-Lieutenant.

MR. MURPHY

was understood to inquire if some of these Commissioners ought not to be called on to retire on account of age.

MR. BIRRELL

said that that was a most delicate question. He was not aware that any of them were incapable by reason of old age of discharging their duties.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

They could not be a worse body than they are.