asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that Mr. Patrick McCarthy, 8 Rice's Street, Dungarvan, County Waterford, Civil Bill Officer since 1908, was notified on the 29th December, 1926, that his services were dispensed with; whether he has applied for a gratuity under Article 10 of the Treaty, whether it was customary to grant gratuities to similar officers before 1921, and whether he is not now entitled to such gratuity.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WATERFORD C.B. OFFICER.
I am not aware that Mr. McCarthy's services have been dispensed with, nor have I received any application from him for a gratuity under Article 10 of the Treaty. It was not the custom before 1921 to grant gratuities to Civil Bill Officers, and I am unable to regard Mr. McCarthy as qualified for a gratuity on his ceasing to hold office.