§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIENTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state whether there has been a new rule made by the Local Government Board for Ireland which makes it impossible for any person to be appointed as Local Government Board auditor except he be either a barrister, solicitor, a chartered accountant, or must have been in the accounts department of a public office of State; and, if so, whether he will say whether this rule will extend to Poor Law and other local officers whose experience and ability qualify them for promotion to Local Government Board positions, and whose promotions to such positions would only be in accordance with the rules of other Departments of the State.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The qualifications prescribed for the post are substantially as stated in the Question. Any person who fulfils them is eligible for appointment.