10. Major NEWMANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will ascertain if Joseph Beahan, an ex-sergeant of the Royal Irish Constabulary, residing at Kilkee, county Clare, and a number of other men who had served in the force were asked soon after the outbreak of hostilities if they would take service as coast watchers; if they accepted but were subsequently passed over for a number of civilians of doubtful loyalty, and since then have been offered no other post; can he give the reason for this; and will endeavours be made to find employment for men in the position of Beahan?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI am informed that Joseph Beahan, ex-sergeant of the Royal Irish Constabulary, was asked if he would be prepared to act as a coast-watcher, but was not appointed to that post. These appointments are made by the naval authorities for the district. I am not aware that any other police pensioners at Kilkee were asked to serve. There is no ground for doubting the loyalty of the three men appointed in that place. They had all served in His Majesty's forces. As I have already informed the hon. and gallant Member, every effort is being made to facilitate pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary obtaining suitable employment.