MR. P. O'BRIENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the system of promotion in the Royal Irish Constabulary, known as the "P. List," is alleged to operate unfairly towards the older and more experienced members of the force who entered the Service before this system was adopted a few years ago; that since the introduction 970 of this system one-third of the vacancies have been filled by young men of short service and undistinguished in the force except that they had passed examinations in map drawing and other subjects not usually associated with the detection and prevention of crime; and whether he will cause the system to be so modified as not to tell against efficient constables of long service who entered the force before the existence of such conditions for promotion?
§ * MR. JACKSONThe existing promotion system in the Royal Irish Constabulary has existed for upwards of two years, and has, I am informed, worked most satisfactorily. A large proportion of vacancies—two-thirds—is given among the senior men, while a third is reserved for those, irrespective of seniority, who prove themselves specially fitted for promotion. The examination include among the subjects tests in police duties and general fitness for command and elements of drill.