§ MR. GRAYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, How many "non-effective" men are now in the Royal Irish Constabulary; how many of them have been non-effective for six months or longer; and how many have served for a period enabling them to retire on pension?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERSir, it is rather difficult to answer this Question in the precise form in which it stands on the Paper, because the number of those coming technically within the definition of non-effective is subject to variation from day to day, from the fact of men being on the sick list for a few days and then returning to their duty. It will probably, however, carry out the hon. Member's object if I take three months' absence from the effective strength as the basis of calculation. I find that there are at present 43 men who have been non-effective for a period of three months and less than six months; 17 have been non-effective for periods ranging between six and nine months, which 312 makes a total of 60 in all; 39 of these 60 are men entitled to pension, having served for 15 years or upwards.