§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he is aware that John Ward, ship inspector, employed at North Wall, is under notice of dismissal; if he is aware that this man has twenty-eight years' service; if he will say if it is proposed to pension this man; and, if so, with what amount?
§ Mr. DUKEUnder Treasury regulations ship inspectors are required to relinquish their appointments on attaining the age of sixty. The inspector referred to has accordingly been informed that his services will terminate on 20th proximo. These appointments are not pensionable, but in view of Ward's service of over twenty-five and a half years the Department of Agriculture have decided to make an application for the grant of a gratuity in his case.