§ MR. W. ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Sergeant John O'Brien, of Cappamore, has been appointed a Special Sergeant "Crime Special Branch," County Limerick; what extra pay and allowances will he receive; has any examination into his fitness been held, and by whom; why has he been appointed, without competition, over the heads of 100 sergeants in Limerick City and County, many of whom possess superior qualifications; 123 and, is this the same Sergeant John O'Brien who, while stationed at Glin in 1886, was guilty of a serious violation of Police Regulations, for which he was reprimanded and removed from his station; and, if so, was this promotion made with the sanction of the Chief Secretary.
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN)(who replied) said (Dublin University)The Constabulary authorities report that it is the case that Sergeant John O'Brien has been assigned the duties mentioned in the Question. He receives 1s. 6d. per day extra pay; no allowance attaches to the appointment. He had not to undergo a special examination, nor is there a competitive examination for an appointment of this nature. This sergeant was transferred from Glin some two years ago for a breach of the Regulations of the Force. His appointment did not come before the Chief Secretary for sanction, inasmuch as his sanction was not required. Sergeant O'Brien has always borne an excellent character; and his officers, who have a high opinion of him, consider him well qualified to carry out the duties now assigned to him.
§ MR. W. ABRAHAMasked, whether it would tend to maintain the discipline in the Force if a man who had been reprimanded for a breach of the Regulations should afterwards be promoted over the heads of other men?
§ MR. MADDENsaid, he did not think that a slight breach of discipline should for ever debar a deserving officer from promotion.