§ Mr. MAURICE HEALYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland how long it is since an increase of pay was promised to Irish prison warders; whether it has been promised that the increase will take effect from the 1st April last, so that nearly eight months' arrears of the increase are now due; whether the proposed increase is to take effect entirely 919W irrespective of the proposed scheme for the reorganisation of the service; and, if so, why the payment of the increased pay is delayed until this reorganisation takes effect?
§ Mr. DUKEThe new scales of pay have been promulgated to the Irish prison service, and it is hoped that all arrears of pay due in respect of the improved rates now sanctioned as from the 1st April last will be paid before the end of the year.