HC Deb 23 May 1901 vol 94 c979
MR. M'DERMOTT (Kilkenny, N.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state whether the Inspector General of the Royal Irish Constabulary has any, and, if so, what powers to enable him to compel constables who are of good character and are still able and willing to serve in the force to retire on pensions.

MR. WYNDHAM

Under Section 3 (b) of the 46 and 47 Vict. cap. 14, the Inspector General may require a constable who has completed a service of twenty-five years to retire on pension, if he considers such retirement necessary in the interests of the service.

MR. FLAVIN

But if a man is in good health, has good character, and no charges are made against him, ought he to be compelled to retire?

MR. WYNDHAM

I cannot interfere with the discretion of the Inspector General in the matter.

MR. FLAVIN

Does it not happen that in the case I have in mind the man so retired is a Catholic?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!