§ MR. TIMOTHY M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, if he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in the Royal Irish Constabulary at the system of transfer which prevails in the Minister counties: and, could he give the total cost to the country of such transfers since this Government took Office?
MR. J. MORLEYThe Inspector General of Constabulary informs me he is not aware that any dissatisfaction exists in the force respecting transfers in the counties of Munster, or elsewhere. Removals may become necessary by the exigencies of the service, such as filling up of vacancies caused by retirement or discharge, and such cannot be avoided; or they may be carried out upon the application of individual member's seeking transfer. But the orders of the force require that men shall not be removed unnecessarily, as their "local knowledge" becomes lost by frequent changes. If my hon. and learned Friend would specify the class of transfer to which he refers, it would be possible to obtain the cost of them during the period mentioned; but to do so would entail an amount of clerical labour upon the force that would not be commensurate with results?
§ MR.T.M. HEALYWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether a man who, it is proposed, shall be removed for the good of the Service, has any means of making an appeal or representation to the Inspector General?
MR. J. MORLEYI take it he would, under those circumstances, press his claims on the District Inspector, and possibly on the County Inspector. I will not answer positively, but I will inquire whether there is a direct appeal from the Constable concerned to the Inspector General.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYWill the right hon. Gentleman also inquire whether there is any case on record in which the Inspector General has over-ruled the desire of the County or District Inspector for transfer?