24. Captain COOTEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a number of ex-Service men have been discharged from employment in connection with reconstruction work upon Government premises in Ballsbridge; and what is the reason for their discharge?
§ Mr. HENRYCertain restorations at the premises of the Royal Dublin Society at Ballsbridge, which are not Government premises, were approved as suitable for the employment of ex-soldiers, and a grant of £19,500 was made to the Society for the work out of last year's grant of £230,000 for undertaking works to provide employment for ex-service men in Ireland. It has been found impossible to make a further grant to the Society out of the sum provided in the Estimates for the current year, and no doubt they have found it necessary to discharge some of 2214 the men. The question of increasing the provision in the current Estimates is under consideration.
Captain COOTEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is suggested that these men were discharged in consequence of a conspiracy, because they were ex-service men? Will he make further enquiries?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask if ex-service men have not been discharged by Government Departments in this country, and is there any conspiracy there?
§ 28. Mr. TURTONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that large numbers of men in Ireland who have served in His Majesty's forces during the War are now out of employment owing to boycotting by Sinn Fein and the Irish Transport Union; whether many of them have been compelled to leave their districts for other parts of Ireland and Great Britain, and in some instances have had to give up their businesses, and are thereby reduced to great distress; and what steps the Government will take for their relief?
§ 33. Mr. LYLEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Irish soldiers who loyally served the Army in the War are now being boycotted in Ireland and refused work of any sort; and whether he will investigate their cases with a view to give relief if necessary?
50 Captain COOTEasked the Prime Minister (1) what are the special measures stated to have been taken to further the interests and safeguard the rights of ex-service men in Ireland; when the results of the consultation of the Minister of Labour and the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland may be expected to become apparent;
(2) whether he is aware that many ex-service men in Ireland are being forced out of employment by their civilian comrades engaged upon reconstruction work 2215 in Ireland in consequence of political feeling; whether he is aware that such reconstruction work on public buildings, etc., is paid for out of public money provided for the purpose; and what steps he proposes to take to give protection to ex-service men employed in such work and ensure that the wages are drawn by men who have deserved well of this country?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave on this subject to the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely on 28th April. The Government is fully alive to the difficulties to which ex-service men are exposed owing to the present position in Ireland, and are doing what they can to relieve the position.
§ Mr. TURTONIs my right hon. Friend aware that the greatest irritation is felt by ex-service men throughout England, and that the Comrades of the Great War are determined that justice shall be done to those men who fought in the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI said in previous answers the Government recognise their duty in this matter, and I may say, in reference to a question on this subject, that where the want of money prevents it being done, I shall be glad to join with my hon. Friend in making inquiries into it.