§ 2. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many men have been attested for the 2345 Royal Irish Constabulary between 1st January, 1920, and 31st May, 1920; how many men have resigned, been dismissed or discharged without gratuity during the same period; and how many have retired on pension or been discharged on gratuity during the same period?
7. Lieut.-Colonel WALTER GUINNESSasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of resignations from the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police from the 15th April to the 15th June, 1919 and 1920, respectively?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)The figures asked for by the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) are as follow:—
The figures asked for by the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Lieut.-Colonel Guinness) are as follows:—
Number of men attested for Royal Irish Constabulary between 1st January and 31st May, 1920 1,504 Number who resigned during same period 334 Number who were dismissed or discharged without gratuity during same period 40 Number who have retired on pension or have been discharged on gratuity during same period 187 The resignation in 1919 and 8 of the resignations in 1920 were retirements on pension.
Resignations of Dublin Metropolitan Police in period 15th April to 15th June, 1919 1 Resignations corresponding period in 1920 41 Royal Irish Constabulary statistics are not available for the period commencing 15th April, but the following figures for the period commencing 1st April and ending 1st June are given:—
These two police forces have served gallantly during a most difficult and trying time, and I feel sure the House will agree they command our admiration and 2346 support. The Government is determined to give every support to these officers in the discharge of their duties.
Number of resignations in Royal Irish Constabulary 1st April, 1919, to 1st June, 1919 17 Number for corresponding period in 1920 235
8. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how soon the ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary will receive increases in their pensions?
§ Mr. HENRYIncreases of pension for which any ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary may be eligible under the scheme proposed in the case of pre-War State pensioners generally cannot be granted until the necessary legislation has been obtained, but it is hoped that the Bill which has now been drafted for this purpose will be introduced at a very early date. As regards ex-members of the force who retired on or after the 1st April, 1919, and whose pensions admit of revision under the Royal Irish Constabulary Pensions (Interim) Order, 1920, the necessary steps to effect revision are being taken in all such cases, and there will be no avoidable delay in notifying pensioners of the revised awards, and in making payments accordingly.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSWill the first class to which the right hon. Gentleman referred be dealt with in the British Bill, or will there be a special Bill for Ireland?
§ Sir JOHN BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman do his best, seeing that this matter is really very urgent, to get the Bill brought in, and passed as soon as possible?
9. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSasked the ChiefSecretary for Ireland the number of men of the Royal Irish Constabulary who have applied to transfer from Munster counties into other parts of Ireland during the last year, and who have been refused, in spite of their having completed the regulation period of five years' service in Munster?
§ Mr. HENRYThe carrying out of this regulation is dependent on the exigencies of the service, and in existing conditions it cannot be carried out in many instances, the number of which cannot be ascertained without much trouble and loss of valuable time.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSIn the ordinary course are men being transferred, where possible, at the end of five years, and does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction among the men at being kept in this very disorderly district, and that they feel that they are being treated as if they were on active service and were being left indefinitely in the front line?
§ 10. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the officers and men of the Dublin Metropolitan Police are not eligible for the medal granted for valour and bravery which is awarded in suitable cases to the officers and men of the Royal Irish Contabulary; and what medal can be given to members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police?
§ Mr. HENRYMembers of both the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police are eligible for the King's Police Medal. In addition, members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are eligible for the Constabulary Medal which is awarded for pre-eminent valour and bravery. The case of the Dublin Metropolitan Police has been under consideration, and it has been decided that members of that force should have an equal opportunity of earning recognition of special courageous action. An announcement on the subject will be made very shortly.