§ Mr. PATRICK O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether an appointment has yet been made to the vacancy in the depot command of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether any effort was made to select a competent officer holding the Catholic religion for the position; if so, with what result; and 1179 whether he wall give the name of the officer appointed, his nationality, and his religion?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAn appointment has now been made to the post in question. As I have already informed the hon. Member, professional qualifications only are taken into consideration in filling such vacancies. The officer appointed is Mr. H. A. Coxwell Rogers; he was born in Gloucestershire 54 years ago, and has served for 32 years in the Royal Irish Constabulary. He is, I am told, a Protestant.
§ Mr. PATRICK O'BRIENCan the right hon. Gentleman give the name of any subordinate in the Irish police who advised him that religious considerations are not taken into account? Can he say why it is that since the establishment of this force no Catholic has happened to be appointed to this particular position?
§ Mr. BIRRELLSo far as I am myself concerned, in no appointment over which I have any authority—and this is one—have I allowed any religious considerations-to enter my mind. My sole object has been to secure the man best fitted to fill the place. If it be the fact that no Roman Catholic has ever filled this particular post, I am quite sure it is due to no incapacity on the part of Roman Catholics, but simply to the proper and ordinary competition between members of the force.
§ Mr. PATRICK O'BRIENWere you ever advised by any of the superior officers in the force that this consideration should not enter into the appointment?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI do not know I ever received any such advice. I stand in no need of it.