§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that
†See page 317.777 Sergeant Ryan, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, in Belfast, was some time ago found in an ill-conducted house; if so, will he state whether his conduct on this occasion was reported to his superior officer and what punishment, if any, was inflicted; and will he explain on what grounds has Ryan been promoted to the rank of head constable.(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The incident referred to in the first part of the Question occurred in January, 1896. Sergeant Ryan did not deny that he had entered the house, but stated he had done so with the object of endeavouring to trace stolen property. He was reported to be an excellent officer, and as there was no evidence to show that he entered the house for any purpose other than that stated by him, the Inspector-General considered that the necessities of the case would be sufficiently met by a caution against entering such a house in future. In July, 1900, he was permitted, on the recommendation of his officers, to compete for promotion to the rank of head constable. He was successful, and was promoted in October, 1900.