§ 11. Mr. CRUMLEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland by what system promotions are given in the Irish prison service; by what form of examination, if any, are officials tested before they are promoted; what are the qualifications necessary for promotion to Class II. of the new scheme, and how are the qualifications tested; are promotions usually made as a result of secret correspondence between prison governors and clerks in the Prison Board's office; and, if so, will he have steps taken to abolish this system and to establish competitive examinations instead?
§ Mr. DUKEAt the inception of the new scheme for the Irish Prison Service, Class II. was filled by the absorption of prison officers whose capacity, length of service, and existing rate of remuneration entitled them, in the opinion of the Prisons Board, to be placed in that rank. In future, warders will only be promoted to Class II. who satisfy the Board that they possess the necessary literary and technical qualifications to enable them to perform the duties of the class. The Board have very good means of knowledge of the capacity and defects of all their officers, and they select for promotion those who, in their opinion, possess the best qualifications. The suggestion that a secret correspondence is conducted between prison governors and clerks in the office of the Prisons Board is unfounded.
Mr. NUGENTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this examination was a personal examination, or merely a report by the doctor?