Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether the Government had any powers in connection with the appointments made by boards of guardians in Ireland; if so, if any notice had been taken of the recent appointment of a matron for the Sligo infirmary; whether he was aware that there were eight candidates, mostly duly qualified nurses; whether they were all passed over in favour of a lady who was not a trained nurse; and if the Local Government Board intended to take action?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo appointment such as is mentioned in the question has been made by the board of guardians in connection with the workhouse infirmary of the Sligo Union. If, however, the hon. Member refers to the county infirmary, I have no official information as to the appointment of a matron in that institution, nor have I any responsibility with regard to it.
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe workhouse appointments are subject to sanction by the Local Government Board, but the county infirmaries are managed under an Act of Parliament, and we have no control over them whatever.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not prepared to answer for anybody but myself and the Irish Government. We have no responsibility for them whatever.