§ 45. Mr. HORNERasked the Prime Minister whether, if the Government of Ireland Bill becomes law, it will be in the power of the Irish Government to discontinue the system of open competitive examination for positions in the Civil Service in Ireland similar or analogous to positions thus filled at present by the Government of the United Kingdom; and, if so, whether officers appointed by the Irish Government by any system other than open competitive examination may have or be given precedence in promotion to higher appointments in their respective departments over officers who, at the time of the passing of the Bill, hold their offices after qualifying by open competitive examination?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)The Bill does not make it obligatory upon the Irish Government to continue the present system of admission to the Civil Service through competitive examination if they should think fit to change or modify that system, nor to reserve the higher posts in the service for persons who have passed such an examination.
§ Mr. HORNERDoes the same apply to the lower ranks?
§ Mr. BIRRELLYes, Sir.
§ Mr. MOOREWill it be open to them to make a compulsory subject of examination a knowledge of Irish, thereby excluding every Protestant?
Mr. MUUDOONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the president of the Gaelic-Speaking Association is a Protestant?
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLAnd the son of an Irish clergyman.