§ MR. LEA (Londonderry, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is the rule of the Constabulary Force that one-fourth of the Head Constables are promoted from the ranks; if it is a fact that, out of the 46 promoted Head Constables, not a single one has been a Presbyterian; if, since September 1, 1885, there have been 15 such promotions, and of these 10 have been Roman Catholics, and five Episcopalians, and not one Presbyterian; if, among the Presbyterian members of the Force, there are men of the highest efficiency and ability, well qualified for such a position; and, if steps will at once be taken to remedy a grievance that causes great dissatisfaction?
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN)(who replied) said (Dublin University)The Inspector General of Constabulary reports that the facts are as stated in the first three paragraphs; but that during the period covered by the 46 promotions referred to, there were two Presbyterian Head Constables also promoted, one of whom retired so recently as July last. 1748 As regards the concluding portion of the Question, the Inspector General further reports that there are, undoubtedly, among the Presbyterian members of the Force men of high efficiency and ability, who get their fair share of promotion. But in advancing men from the ranks to the position of officer, the claims of all the Head Constables must be taken into consideration, due weight being given to seniority. The Promotion Board has not passed over any Presbyterian Head Constable who, at the time of its decision, was, in all respects, fully qualified for the higher rank.