§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary what was the charge made on the county council of Galway for the past four years for the extra policemen quartered within the county; can he state how many men over and above the number allowed to the county are stationed there at the present time; and, except for punishment on the ratepayers, can any cause be assigned for keeping so many of them there at present?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe charges made on the county council of Galway for extra police during the four financial years ending 3ist March last were £4,179, £10,804, £7,570, and £6,775 respectively. There is now an extra force of 192 men stationed in the county. Until there is a very substantial improvement in the present condition of affairs in the county the police force cannot be materially reduced.
§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the promise made by the authorities some time ago to reconsider the retention in the county of so many extra police; and whether, in view of the quiet and peaceable condition of the county, he will take steps to relieve the ratepayers of the county of the liability incurred in keeping so many extra police in the county at a time when there is no need to keep them there?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed by the Inspector-General that there are signs of some slight improvement in the condition of affairs in the county, and that it has been found possible to reduce the extra police force by ten men. I hope that this improvement will continue, and that it may be possible to still further reduce the extra force.