§ 28. Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the offer of the Treasury to increase the Grant to industrial schools by 6d. per head on condition that the local authorities provide 6d. from the rates is considered unjust and presses severely on the Dublin ratepayer; if, owing to destruction of property, the Dublin municipal council will lose £30,000 in rates per year, and that the police tax-collectors have made an additional demand for £5,000 a year from the Dublin rates; if, having regard to the condition of Dublin caused by the loss of trade by business people, the lack of employment, and the lack of munition works, he will 790 recommend the Treasury to consider the advisability of paying 1s. per head to the industrial schools without placing any further burden on Dublin city; and if he will advise the authority to withdraw their-demand for the additional £5,000 police tax?
§ Mr. DUKEI am informed that the loss in the Dublin rates attributable to the destruction of property in the rebellion is much less than is suggested by the hon. Member. I am unable to make any statement with regard to the police rate which I understand to be the subject of legal proceedings. The additional Grant for children in industrial schools is the same for Dublin as for other parts of the-country. There are no grounds for an exception.
§ Mr. BYRNEWould the right hon. Gentleman recommend the Treasury to-make this Grant without any such condition?
§ Mr. FLAVINIn view of the present heavy burden of taxation in Ireland and the undue burden which she has borne for the last 100 years, would it not be a gracious thing on the part of the Government to make this a free Grant without asking for any contribution?
§ Mr. FLAVINThe Treasury always take care to extract the last farthing out of Ireland and to give nothing in return.