§ 14. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Chief Secretary if single officers in Irish prisons are still denied the domestic facilities and lodging allowances conceded in England, and will he take steps to have the assimilation scheme carried out without the usual delay; is he aware that many of the smaller prisons are understaffed, resulting in long hours of duty and discontent among the staff; and will he call for a Report from the governors on the matter?
§ Mr. HENRYThe concessions to single officers in Ireland in the matter of sub- 1518 sistence and detention allowances are not as extensive as in England, although they are so framed as to prevent any financial loss to such officers. The question of assimilating allowances generally is, however, being considered. I am aware that the prison officers throughout the Irish prisons service are working cheerfully under difficult conditions, but I am not aware of any special grievance in any prison which can be attributed to shortage of staff.