§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Chief Secretary if, in the appointment of resident magistrates, anything in the nature of an examination is resorted to; and, if not, why are men who have a legal training, such as solicitors and petty sessions clerks, passed over, and appointments given to men who are in many cases absolutely ignorant of the ordinary law?
The HON. MEMBERfurther asked whether there are any vacancies for the post of resident magistrate in Ireland at present; if so, will those responsible for the appointments give due consideration to the claims of solicitors and clerks of petty sessions who may have applied for the position; whether one-third of these appointments are given, to members of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and, if so, on what grounds?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will answer these two questions together. There is at present one vacancy for a resident magistrate. One-third of these appointmnets are given to officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary under an arrangement of many years standing made in the interests of the public service. Candidates are not required to pass an examination, but their qualifications are carefully considered. The claims of solicitors are not overlooked. Of the eight gentlemen, other than Constabulary officers, whom I have appointed to the resident magistracy, four were practising solicitors.