§ MR. D. SULLIVAN(for Sir THOMAS ESMONDE) (Dublin Co., S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If ex-constable Martin Joyce, who left the Royal Irish Constabulary in November last, has served 30 years of general good conduct in the Force; if for the last eight years there have been no complaints or punishments of any kind against him; and, if, under the circumstances, the provisions of the Inspector General's Circular of 9th May 1883 will be permitted to apply in his case, so that he may draw his full pension of £64 a-year?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)The constable mentioned was several times guilty of serious misconduct, including drunkenness, and was once 640 actually warned for dismissal. Under these circumstances, the Discharge Board properly recommended him for a reduced pension. The Circular referred to does not preclude such a course. Not only does the Statute empower the granting of reduced pensions, but it has been the invariable practice to exercise that power in proper cases.