HC Deb 24 May 1892 vol 4 cc1661-2
MR. TIMOTHY HEALY (Longford, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether a number of sergeants of the County Waterford force have been pronounced incompetent by the new County Inspector, Mr. T. Hayes; how many of these sergeants are on probation, to be reported on in three months by their officers as to their fitness to hold their present rank; how many of them are men of long service and good character, who have passed creditably the inspections of their superior officers; whether he is aware that the measures of the present County Inspector have produced discontent and insecurity among all ranks under him; and whether one of the sergeants affected, Sergeant Cleary, of Callaghans, has already claimed his discharge from the Service on a reduced pension?

MR. JACKSON

This question refers to some details of administration, and I do not think that I can, with advantage to discipline or to the Public Service, answer the questions. It must not be supposed that any action taken implies censure or discredit on the members of the force.

MR. TIMOTHY HEALY

The object of my question is to allay discontent prevailing in the ranks of the force in consequence of the action of the County Inspector, and surely I am entitled to an answer.

MR. JACKSON

I cannot add to my answer. It must be quite obvious that to accept the assumption that discontent prevails would act prejudicially to the discipline of the force.

MR. TIMOTHY HEALY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say is it the fact that Sergeant Cleary, in consequence of the action taken, has been obliged to claim his discharge at a reduced pension?

MR. JACKSON

I understand that is not the fact. It is not in consequence of any charge against him that he has been obliged to retire. He applied to be allowed to retire.

MR. TIMOTHY HEALY

Yes; but why did he not remain a little time longer, when he could have claimed the higher scale of pension?

MR. JACKSON

His retirement was entirely from his own action, and was in no way due to the action of the officer mentioned.