§ MR. SYNANasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, notwithstanding the Roman Catholics of Limerick are over ninety per cent. of the population, all the officers of the Police force are Protestant; whether, until recently, the sub-inspector in Limerick was generally a Roman Catholic; and, whether in future a Catholic will be appointed?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, the County and Sub-Inspector in the City of Limerick are Protestants. They have both been sent there within the last year, and they both succeeded officers of the same religious persuasion. The Inspector General informs mo that he is not aware that there has ever been any complaint on this ground in Limerick. I cannot give any undertaking such as that asked for in the last part of the Question. The Inspector General further states that he never rejected any Roman Catholic who was recommended to him because of his religion, or on any other ground, except when he could not ascertain, after careful inquiry, that he was the most suitable candidate.
§ MR. HEALYasked if the right hon. Gentleman would give a Return, showing the religious denomination of persons nominated as Sub-Inspectors during the last five years?
§ MR. TREVELYANwas understood to consent.