MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if the men of the Royal Irish Constabulary are compelled to provide themselves with valises, haversacks, and leggings, and pay for them out of their own pockets; if men are compelled to wear leggings in hot weather, to the injury of their health, on detachment duty, &c.: what is the cost of these articles on each man, and was it left optional to the officers to procure the new silver ornaments; what is the utility of these valises; and will he see that the men are either relieved from purchasing valises and leggings, or cause them to be supplied like the rest of the men's clothing?
MR. J. MORLEYI understand the men of the Royal Irish Constabulary are required to provide themselves with the articles mentioned at their own expense, the prices of which are—valise, 11s.; haversack, 2s. 8d.; loggings, 3s. 1d. Leggings are required to be worn on all outdoor duties between November and March inclusive, also on detachment duty. The Inspector General has no reason to think that the wearing of leggings as stated is injurious to health; on the contrary, he imagines their use in 206 wet weather is conducive to health and comfort, particularly when men are on detachment duty. The new silver ornaments for officers were ordered to be introduced after a majority of the officers had declared in favour of them. The valise is apparently indispensable on detachment duty, as it contains a change of clothing, shirt, boots, &c. The Inspector General cannot recommend that the articles referred to should be supplied at the public expense.