§ Mr. GRUNDYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether English prison warders on temporary duty away from their own prison, or who are enabled to find lodgings for their families at prisons to which they are permanently transferred, receive, in accordance with a circular of the English Prison Commissioners, dated 8th September, 1920, separation allowance of 35s. per week, minus 1s. per night when provided with a bed in the prison, and that prior to the 1st October, 1920, such officers received 6s. per day, minus Is. per day; and, if so, and in view of the fact that the general principles of assimilation have now been sanctioned for Irish warders, he will take steps to have the same allowances applied to officers in similar conditions in the Irish prisons service?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMy attention has just been called to the English circular in question, and the matter will be inquired into.
§ Mr. HIRSTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what special knowledge is possessed by the four artisans who have been retained in the Irish prison service over the age of 60 years, contrary to the Superannuation (Prison Officers) Act, 1919; whether he holds any indentures showing where and when these four officers became qualified tradesmen; whether there are at the present time certified and qualified tradesmen in the Irish prison service who are thoroughly competent to perform any class of work; whether it would be impossible to replace these four officers in the event of their becoming incapacitated; and whether, in view of the fact that these men have 937W reached the age for retirement, he proposes to call for their resignation?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe value of the artisan warders in question to the prison service arises not from their qualification on entry to the service but from those acquired by them in the service. A dispensing power is given to the Treasury in the Superannuation Acts in regard to extension of service, and has been exercised in these Cases by an extension of six months. Should these men unfortunately become incapacitated and have to leave the service forthwith serious inconvenience would be occasioned.