§ Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who were discharged before 1st January, 1917, as unfit for further service are receiving pensions which are considerably lower than those of uninjured men discharged since; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of correcting this injustice?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIt is true that since the 1st April, 1919, members of the Royal Irish Constabulary retiring voluntarily after pensionable service have received larger pensions than those of injured men discharged before the 1st January, 1917. This is due to the substantial increases of pay subsequently granted to the force. Men pensioned on the lower rates of pay have had the advantage of the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920. When that Act was introduced it was carefully considered whether special treatment could be accorded to Royal Irish Constabulary pensioners, and it was decided that discrimination between them and other pensioners could not be justified.