HC Deb 18 December 1916 vol 88 c1115
43. Mr. BYRNE

asked if Irishmen desiring to transfer from English regiments to Irish regiments will be allowed to do so?

Mr. MACPHERSON

In the case of units serving abroad this is already within the discretion of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief under whom the applicant is serving. At home Irishmen are given the option of being posted to an Irish unit when they are called up.

Mr. BYRNE

If soldiers on active service who received leave and are now at home wish to transfer to Irish regiments, can they do so?

Mr. MACPHERSON

That must rest with the commanding officer in the field, where possible.