CAPTAIN CRAIGI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state what were the several employments and occupations of Mr. MacSweeney prior to and at the time of his recent appointment as Local Government Board Inspector, the qualifications required in cases of such appointments, and the salary attached to the office.
I beg also to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state what were the several employments and occupations of Mr. Cosgrove prior to and at the time of his recent appointment as temporary Local Government Board Inspector, the qualifications required in cases of such appointments, and the salary attached to the office.
§ MR. BIRRELLPrior to and at the time of his appointment as temporary inspector under the Local Government Board, Mr. MacSweeney was a journalist. Mr. Cosgrove, who is a member of the Irish Bar, was also a journalist. As regards the qualifications for the post of temporary inspector I would refer to my Answer to the hon. Member for North Leitrim on 17th April last. The maximum salary of the office is £500 a year.
§ MR. W. MOORE (Armagh, N.)In regard to the qualification of these gentlemen I should like to ask if the right hon. Gentleman has seen the complaint of the Freeman's Journal, which suggests that he has used the power of the Government to bribe for their service these excellent officials?
§ MR. BIRRELLNo, sir.