MR. FIELDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant, of Ireland whether an examination is about to be held for Royal Irish Constabulary cadets; how many vacancies for the position of district inspector are to be so filled; whether each appointment thus made stops four promotions in the rank and file, those of head constable, sergeant, acting-sergeant, and constable; how long it is necessary for a cadet to serve before being placed in charge of a district; and what has been the average period of service of head constables promoted to that position; and in what respect the qualifications of a cadet fit him for precedence.
§ * MR. G. W. BALFOURThe examination for cadetships will take place on the 29th inst. The candidates are nominated for places, but the vacancies have not yet arisen. Gentlemen successful at this examination will only fill half the vacancies as they occur. No promotions to which head constables, sergeants, acting sergeants, and constables are entitled, under the existing regulations, will be stopped by the appointments above referred to. A cadet usually undergoes five or six months' instruction before he is considered fit to be placed in charge of a district. The average period of service of the twenty-one head constables last promoted is twenty-three years ten months. Cadets, who are highly educated and pass a severe competitive examination, are soon fitted for the position of district inspector, and after a few years' experience become officers of high efficiency.