HC Deb 04 March 1920 vol 126 cc605-6
11. Captain REDMOND

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a resolution from the representative body of head-constables, sergeants, and constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary protesting against the dismissal of General Sir Joseph Byrne from the Inspector-Generalship; whether a similar resolution was received from the Leinster representative body of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether since the dismissal of General Byrne dissatisfaction has existed all over Ireland and especially throughout the police force; and whether he is prepared to take steps to restore Inspector-General Byrne to his position?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have seen the Resolution mentioned in the first part of the question. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the last two parts is in the negative.

Captain REDMOND

Has the right hon. Gentleman received a similar Resolution from the Ulster representatives of the Royal Irish Constabulary?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No, I think the only two I received are mentioned.

Captain REDMOND

Was there not a meeting held at Omagh comprising all the police sergeants and constables in Ulster, including Belfast, and did they not join unanimously with the rest of Ireland in protesting against the dismissal of Sir Joseph Byrne?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No, I cannot say I have seen that. I will make inquiries.

Captain REDMOND

Has not this inspector-general a right to have some form of inquiry into the cause of his dismissal?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I do not think so.