HC Deb 31 December 1916 vol 88 cc1590-1
9. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, to promote economy during the War, the Irish Government have taken steps to reduce the number of Civil servants of military age; if so, will he say how many of these young gentlemen have been dismissed; whether the hours worked in many departments of the Civil Service are no longer than those worked before the War and in the legal departments are 10.30 and 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., except during vacations, when the offices are open for two hours on alternate days; and is he aware that many of these half-employed young men are known to have taken a part in the recent rebellion in Dublin?

The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)

Facilities for enlistment and encouragement to do so are offered in all Irish Government Departments to Civil servants of military age subject to the exigencies of the public service, and a large number of Irish Civil servants have joined the forces. The positions thus left vacant are as a rule not filled up, the work being done by the remaining members of the staffs. Steps have been taken to effect retrenchments in all the departments of the Irish Civil Service as occasion occurs, but no members of the permanent Civil Service have been dismissed with that object. Longer hours have been worked in all departments where it has been necessary in consequence of the War. It is understood that the hours in the legal offices have not altered. I am not aware that any young men still in the Government service in Ireland took part in the rebellion.

10. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can say what efforts have been made by the Civil Service authorities to replace men eligible for military service by discharged soldiers and women; and with what success?

Mr. DUKE

In cases where Irish Civil servants have joined the forces their work is, as a rule, performed by the remaining members of the staffs. Where additions to the clerical staff have been necessary women have, where suitable, been employed.

11. Major NEWMAN

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will grant a Return of all men of military age now employed in Irish Government Departments in Dublin, with hours of duty worked and particulars as to holidays?

Mr. DUKE

The conditions as to hours of work and holidays in the Civil Service in Ireland are those prescribed by Order in Council, and are the same as in Great Britain. I think no useful purpose would be served by such a Return as is asked for.