§ 64. Mr. LOUGHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether immediately before the War a Commission reported in favour of a rise in pay to all ranks of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and, if so, whether the allowance recently promised as a war bonus is to be taken as representing the recommendations then made as well as an allowance for the increased cost of living caused by the War; whether officers of the force are included in the allowance now promised by the Government; and, if not, whether, having regard to the responsibilities now thrown upon both officers and men of this force, an adequate response will immediately be made to their expectations of at least fair treatment?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Committee of Inquiry of 1914 into the Royal Irish Constabulary reported in May of that year in favour of an increase of pay for head and other constables and second and third-class district inspectors and of an improvement of the initial rates of salary of first-class district inspectors. The Constabulary and Police (Ireland) Act, passed in August, 1914, gave effect to the increase recommended for head and other constables and sanctioned some improvement of the salaries of first and third-class district inspectors. The substantial war bonus recently granted is additional to these statutory increases, but does not apply to the officers of the force.