§ MR. MEEHANTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary are engaged on a branch of the service known as the Special Crimes Branch; what is the nature of the work done by this branch, and what is the amount of special pay attached to it; is there any necessity for its continuance; and, if not, will it be discontinued.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Special Crimes Branch of the Royal Irish Constabulary consists of a county inspector, a district inspector, a sergeant, and a constable at headquarters, and thirty-seven men outside headquarters. The work of the branch consists of criminal investigation. The county inspector and the district inspector receive an extra allowance of £250 and £150 per annum respectively. The men receive a daily allowance of 1s. 6d. each. It is deemed necessary to continue the branch.