§ 31. Mr. BYRNEasked the Home Secretary the number of dismissals from Government service since the rising in Ireland; if he is aware of the indignation expressed in Ireland at the treatment of Government employés, who were arrested on suspicion and afterwards released by orders of the military and Advisory Committee; and if he will say on whose information the dismissals took place?
Mr. SAMUELGovernment employés suspected of complicity in the recent rebellion have been suspended by the responsible heads of their Departments pending an investigation which is about to be held into these cases. So far no instance has come to my notice in which Departments have dismissed officials on the ground of such complicity.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYWill these cases be inquired into at once? There are men who have been released by the Advisory Committee and who have not been allowed to get back to their positions.
Mr. SAMUELI very much regret the delay that has taken place. I was hoping that the Advisory Committee would be able to examine these cases, but I find that it is not practicable, owing to pressure of work and other circumstances, and accordingly I have appointed two Commissioners to inquire into them at once, so that there shall be no further delay.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYIncases where after inquiry the Advisory Committee have released the men, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that they get back into their employment?
§ Mr. LUNDONCan the right hon. Gentleman give us the names of the Commissioners?
Mr. SAMUELThe Commission will consist of two distinguished Civil servants, Sir Guy Fleetwood-Wilson and Sir William Byrne.
Mr. NUGENTWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of these places will be filled in the absence of these men before the trial?
Mr. SAMUELI think the heads of the Departments are awaiting the result of inquiry before taking any definite steps.
Mr. NUGENTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these places have already been filled in their absence?