§ Mr. R. RICHARDSON asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many warders have been promoted to the rank of deputy-governor or governor in the prisons service in the past 10 years; how many warders now serving have been recommended by the Prisons Board for such promotion during the same period; what objection there is to promoting men from the ranks to the highest positions in the prisons service; and whether it is the Government's intention so to promote men in future in that service?
49W§ Mr. HENRY: During the past ten years there have not been any warders promoted to the rank of deputy-governor or governor in the Irish Prisons Service, nor have any warders now serving been recommended by the General Prisons Board for such promotion during the same period. Warders will be recommended by the Board for promotion to the highest posts in the Prisons Service if considered suitable in all respects. There are 14 governors and deputy-governors in the Prisons Service of whom seven were promoted from the subordinate staff.