§ MR. MURPHY (Kerry, E.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he could give a Return showing the dates on which the several county inspectors Royal Irish Constabulary attain the age for retiring: and showing how many hours each week for the year ending 30th June last each county inspector devoted to the duties of his office; and whether, having regard to the reduction in these duties in recent years, he will consider whether one county inspector could in future discharge the duties for two or more counties.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) It does not appear that any useful purpose would be served by furnishing such a Return as the hon. Member desires. According to statute, county inspectors are not eligible for retirement on pension until they have attained the age of 60 years and have had 40 years' service. Upon an average about three per annum thus qualify for retirement. There is no regulation requiring county inspectors to keep a record of the exact number of hours occupied by their duties. I understand, however, from the Inspector-General that the time of county inspectors is fully occupied by their duties, in which there has not been a reduction as is suggested in the Question. The existing statutory law requires that there should be a county inspector for each county, and no change could be made without legislation.