HC Deb 20 April 1885 vol 297 cc143-4
MR. HEALY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, in November 1882, three junior Head Constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary were promoted over the heads of others who were quite as suitable for the rank of District Inspector, also one other was promoted who was five years over the prescribed age; and that since then no promotions have been made from the ranks of the force to that of District Inspector, while there have been thirty-six Cadets, chiefly Englishmen, appointed during the period in addition to three who have passed examination in January last, a total of thirty-nine, since any Head Constable attained to the position of District Inspector; how many vacancies are now due to Head Constables, and why the appointments, which he stated in December last were due to them, have not since been made, though an examination for Cadetships was held subsequently; and, whether the Head Constables of the force generally have expressed their dissatisfaction at this

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The three head constables of the Irish Constabulary who were promoted in 1882 were the men who obtained the highest places in a competition among several men of their rank. One head constable, who was two years over the ordinary limit of age, was promoted on special grounds. Of the 36 cadets who have been since appointed, only 12 are Englishmen. The competition held in January last was among officers' sons, who are much behind head constables in their share of the appointments due to the force. It is intended to promote three eligible head constables as soon as vacancies arise for officers; but there are no such vacancies at present. The Inspector General has not heard of any dissatisfaction among the head constables on this subject.

MR. HEALY

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to giving a Return setting forth the way promotions have been made?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

Setting forth what?

MR. HEALY

How many head constables have been promoted, and how many nominations of Englishmen as cadets have been made into the Constabulary?

MR. CAMPBELL - BANNERMAN

I should think that to a Return of facts there would be no objection.