§ 6. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked whether the Order prohibiting any member of the Royal Irish Constabulary from voluntarily retiring on pension during the period of the War has been modified so as to permit of the retirement of members who obtain a situation under Government; and if he will consent to a further modification of the Order so that members who have completed thirty years' service may retire on pension?
§ Mr. DUKESince November, 1916, members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been, permitted to retire on pension to fill vacancies in certain posts, such as clerkships of Petty Sessions. Men over sixty years of age have also been allowed to retire on their own application without medical certificate. In all other cases the Inspector-General, in pursuance of the power given in Section 2 of the Police (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1915, has not permitted retirement on pension except on medical certificate or for disciplinary 505 reasons. As many men are under fifty years of age when they complete thirty years' service, and are fully fit to perform their duties as members of the force, the Inspector-General does not consider it is desirable in the interests of the public service that the suggested further modification of the Order should be made.