§ MR. O'SHEAasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether any alterations arc contemplated in the conditions of admission to cadetships in the Royal Irish Constabulary, especially with regard to age; and, whether there are at present many vacancies?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe present limits are 21 years, which is the lowest, and under 26 years, which is the highest, for gentlemen not being sons of Constabulary officers. For gentlemen who are the sons of Constabulary officers the minimum limit of age is 19 years. It is not contemplated to make any change with regard to the minimum limit; but I am considering whether the maximum ago is not too high. I am in communication with the Department in Dublin. No other changes are contemplated. I may say, however, that I have endeavoured to introduce a system of examination at stated periods instead of examinations at irregular intervals, as previously. I do not, however, think it at all probable that there will be an examination before December next, and I doubt if there will be one before June, 1885. An exceptionally large number of vacancies occurred last year, owing to the effect of the Constabulary (Ireland) Amendment Act of the previous Session.