HC Deb 27 August 1895 vol 36 cc887-8
MR. D. MACALEESE (Monaghan, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, how many police protection huts or stations exist in the county Monaghan; and the respective dates upon which these huts or stations were established; and the cost per annum of each hut or station; and, in view of the almost total absence of crime, ordinary or agrarian, in the above-mentioned county, can he give the assurance that these huts or any of them shall soon be withdrawn?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

There are two police protection posts in this county, one of which was established in March, 1887, and the other in May, 1889. The annual cost of each of these posts is about £136, no portion of which, however, is charged to the county. The men employed at these posts are engaged in affording personal protection to caretakers, and cannot be withdrawn as long as such protection is considered necessary. Crime, both ordinary and agrarian, is undoubtedly low in Monaghan, but these two huts were erected for a specific purpose, namely, the personal protection of caretakers, and until the necessity for such protection has passed away the huts must remain.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Does that include the pay of policemen?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I understand that that is so.