§ MR. SAMUEL YOUNG (Cavan, E.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state the number of the Royal Irish Constabulary on active service in Ireland, 339 and the cost, and the number of pensioners, and the cost; and whether a reduction of the force is in contemplation.
§ (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estimates for the coming year provide for a force of 9,969, including officers, at a net cost of £915,034. The present number of pensions is 7,980, and the cost £391,965. The numbers of the Royal Irish Constabulary have since 1903 been reduced by 1,230, including officers. The question of further reducing the force, in accordance with the plan adopted by the late Government, has been before the Irish Government for some time, but no decision has yet been arrived at.