§ Mr. MacNEILLasked the Vice President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether it is the case that the attendants in the National Library of Ireland are compelled by his Department to work 54 hours per week, although on the reorganisation of the staff over five years ago the Treasury proposed a 48-hour week; whether, if so, steps will be taken to have the original proposal of the Treasury put into operation; and whether, regard being had to the fact that in all public offices in Ireland the Civil Service officials are granted a half-holiday every week except in the National Library of Ireland, the same privilege will be granted to the staff of the National Library of Ireland.
§ Mr. T. W. RUSSELLThe hours of attendance—nine daily for men attendants in the National Library of Ireland—were fixed by the Treasury in 1904 on the recommendation of a Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into matters relating to the Library staff. The men attendants are allowed a half holiday every second week. The library is open to the public each week day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it would1958W not be practicable to allow a half holiday to the attendants every week.