HC Deb 20 December 1945 vol 417 cc1540-1
70. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take into consideration the sufferings of former members of the Royal Irish Constabulary and widows of constables who were killed, or who have died as the result of exceptional strain, during the disturbed period which preceded the establishment of the Irish Free State; and what steps will he take to provide a remedy.

Mr. Ede

Parliament made special provision at the time of the disbandment of the Royal Irish Constabulary for former members of the force and for their widows in the Constabulary (Ireland) Act, 1922, and the circumstances towhich the Question refers were then taken into account.

Sir P. Hannon

Does not the Home Secretary realise the amount of misery that still exists in Ireland in relation to these people, who were not adequately compensated at that time, and the great hardship caused to their dependants?

Mr. Ede

I regret that it is quite impossible now to reopen this issue, which was settled in 1922.