§ Mr. HAZLETONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many ship inspectors are there in Ireland under the Department of Agriculture; how many of these are policemen; what are the occupations of the others; how many prosecutions have been instituted during the last seven years by such inspectors; and in how many cases, and how often, have such inspectors been out of Ireland in connection with their work?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Department of Agriculture inform me that there are fifty-seven ship inspectors in their employment, of whom five are members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, four of the Dublin Metropolitan Police, forty-three are police pensioners, and five civilians. The Department have no official knowledge of the other occupations of their ship inspectors. These officers do not institute prosecutions, but report to the Department any matters coming under notice in connection with their duties. The ordinary work of ship inspectors does not necessitate their leaving Ireland, but some of the staff have occasionally been required to attend as witnesses in prosecutions undertaken in England under the Diseases of Animals Acts.
§ Mr. HAZLETONasked whether some years ago the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary issued instructions that all sergeants and men employed as port or ship inspectors were to revert to their ordinary police work, and that no sergeant or man should in future hold such appointments; and, if so, whether these instructions have been withdrawn or altered?
1900W
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Inspector-General informs me that instructions of the nature referred to in the question were not issued to the force, but about ten years ago it was found that the services of twenty-three men employed on various duties under the Department of Agriculture could no longer be spared, and arrangements were made for their return to ordinary police duty. There are now only five members of the Royal Irish Constabulary employed as ship inspectors, and their employment as such has been sanctioned for special reasons. They will be directed to revert to ordinary duty according as suitable opportunities occur.