§ 9. Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the difficult and trying duties the Irish prisons officers have been performing for the past two or three years, and are at present performing, owing to the political unrest in that country; whether he is aware of the strain imposed on those officers by reason not only of their prison work but also because they are compelled to live amongst an unsympathetic and hostile public; that notwithstanding the difficulties and strain imposed on them those officers have performed, and are performing, their duties faithfully and loyally; if so, taking into consideration the difference that exists between their pay and the pay of the 1386 Irish police, will he recommend that those officers be placed on a scale of pay on lines similar to that recently granted to the police forces; will he state whether it is the intention of the Irish Government to give a definite reply to the application of the Prisons Officers' Representative Council, dated 14th February, 1920; and, if so, when may the council expect such reply?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Henry)The Irish Government fully recognises the devotion to duty shown by prisons officers of all grades, and the application of the Prisons Officers' Representative Council referred to is having the Lord-Lieutenant's careful consideration, and the council was so informed on the 13th ultimo.