§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that a constable named Johnston was stationed in Tuam from the commencement of his service until the year 1885; whether he was then promoted to the rank of acting sergeant, and changed from Tuam to Cummer; whether he has been subsequently promoted to the rank of sergeant, and is now stationed again in Tuam, from whence he was first promoted, and whether this is contrary to 853 the Constabulary Rules; if it is true that another sergeant named Brady, who had been stationed in Tuam only for four months, was ordered to another station to make room for Johnston; and, what are the reasons stated for the alleged exceptional method of procedure?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I am informed by the Inspector General that there was nothing exceptional or contrary to the Regulations of the Constabulary Force in the transfers and promotions made in the cases of these men. The exchange of stations effected between the two sergeants was for the purpose of placing Sergeant Johnston in a barrack where there was accommodation for his family, a requirement which does not exist in the case of the other sergeant.