§ Mr. JELLETTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that an ex-soldier named Alexander Hanna, who served four years and nine months in France during the War, and who also served in South Africa and India, applied for a position as park-keeper from the Board of Works, Dublin, about two months ago, and was refused such a position although possessing highly creditable testimonials as to ability and character; in view of the employment of non-service men in those positions and the Government recommendation as to the substitution of ex-service men with such men, what action does he propose to take in the matter; and how many of the park-keepers employed in Dublin are of temporary rank and how many of those are ex-service men?
§ Mr. BALDWINI would refer to my reply to my hon. and learned Friend on the 10th May last. The Government substitution scheme does not contemplate the dismissal of permanent employees to provide vacancies for ex-service men, and it is not possible to consider Alexander Hanna's application for a position as park-keeper unless and until a vacancy arises. In reply to the last part of the question, of the 26 park-keepers in the employment of the Commissioners of Public Works in Dublin, 19 have served in the Navy or Army, three in the Royal Irish Constabulary, and of the remaining four two are over military age. With the exception of one ex-service man—who has been engaged for the summer months—all the park-keepers are filling permanent posts.