Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary if he will state how many members of the Royal Irish Constabulary committed suicide since the passing of the last Constabulary Act fixing the pay of the police at a rate scarcely higher than it was previously, and despite the promises of generous treatment held out to them by the Government subsequent to the Belfast outbreak; whether any cause can be assigned for these frequent acts of self-destruction; and what action the constabulary authorities propose to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThere have been seven cases of suicide in the Royal Irish Constabulary since the date referred to, but there is no reason whatever for connecting any of these cases with the question of pay. One of the men had been arrested on a charge of murder and had escaped. No ground, except temporary insanity, could be assigned for the other cases. With a view to prevent, if possible, such occurrences, the rule excluding from the force 2296 any candidate in whose family there has been any trace of insanity will be more strictly enforced in future.
Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary if he will explain how it happens that, although the Constabulary Vote for 1910–11 exceeds that of 1909–10 by over £8,181, the counties on which charges for extra police are levied are relieved to the extent of £9,210; and for what purpose the Subsistence Allowance Vote of £18,500 has been increased to £20,000?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. If he refers again to the Estimates, which have been presented to Parliament, he will see that the Constabulary Vote for 1910–11 shows a net decrease of £4,485, as compared with 1909–10. The reduction in the estimated charges for extra police is due to the fact that at the triennial redistribution of the force in 1909 the free force was increased and the extra force correspondingly reduced. An addition was made to the Sub-head, Subsistence Allowance, because at the time of estimating it seemed certain that the amount provided for 1909–10 would prove insufficient.
Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the suicide of Constable Reynolds, which took place at Errismore, Galway; whether he is aware that immediately previous to the tragedy the deceased was transferred to Galway City, on instructions by wire, a distance of 56 miles; whether the relatives of the deceased were informed by an officer stationed at Galway that the cause of the transfer was that a good man was urgently required for duty in the city; and if he will state the actual cause of the transfer which so affected the mind of the deceased constable as to cause him to take his life?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy attention has been called to this case. The order for the transfer of the constable to Galway was sent by wire, but the county inspector had previously been aware that the constable desired to serve in a less remote station than Errismore. The transfer was intended solely to meet his wishes and do him a service, and there was no cause for complaint against him; but it appears that he was under the mistaken impression that he was being removed on punishment. His relatives were informed to the effect stated in the question.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether it is not possible in the constabulary service 2297 in Ireland to give these men one or two days' notice when they are to be moved from one station to another, except, of course, in cases of temporary duty?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI think that is a very sensible suggestion and I will communicate it to the proper quarter.
Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the suicide of Constable Brophy at Beechwood, county Roseommon; whether his transfer from Loughrea a few months ago was on his own application, and, if not, what was the cause of his removal; whether the deceased constable was actually being reported for a breach of discipline when the rash act was committed; and what steps the authorities propose to take to prevent such occurrences in the future?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the police authorities that Constable Brophy did not apply for transfer, but was sent to Beechwood because an experienced constable was wanted there. On 4th April he absented himself from duty for no apparent reason. In the ordinary course he would have been reported for this breach of discipline, but the next day he was ill and was sent to bed. A constable was placed in charge of him, and, while the latter was lighting a fire, he committed suicide by cutting his throat. I have already answered the last paragraph of the question.
Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the circumstances attending the death of Constable M'Grath, of Union Quay Barracks, Cork; whether the medical officer in attendance suggested to his authorities that the deceased man was malingering, and recommended him a diet of bread and water; whether he was obliged to sleep in the common dormitory by day and by night during his illness with no sanitary accommodation or nursing until within a few days of his death; whether the Inspector-General caused inquiry to be made into the matter; and, if so, with what result?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the police authorities that this constable went off duty on medical certificate on 11th January. The medical attendant did not suggest that he was malingering, or order him bread and water, but his illness does not appear to have been recognised as more than a bad cold until 16th 2298 January. He was then removed to hospital, where he died of pneumonia four days later. The Inspector-General is making inquiry into the case with a view to ascertaining whether the constable received proper attention.