§ 83. Mr. MOLESasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when it is proposed to commence payment of the allowances to the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary force as provided by a recent Act of Parliament; when it is proposed to commence payment of the scale of pensions provided in the same Act to such ex-policemen as are entitled to the same; whether the arrears due will be paid in one sum; and whether he will state the cause for the delay in these matters which has taken place?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Denis Henry)As required by Section 4 (2) of the Constabulary and Police (Ireland) Act, 1919, draft orders 1897 as to allowances and pensions are at present being considered by the representative bodies of the ranks affected. Upon issue of the order for allowances, payment thereunder will be made immediately, the bulk of the arrears in each case being discharged in one sum. The extent to which any pensions may require revision by reason of an order under the Act must depend on the terms of such order when enacted, but the draft order on this matter, subject to consideration of any representations that may be received, will, it is hoped, become operative at an early date.
§ Mr. MOLESDoes that mean that the terms of the Draft will in each case be strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act?