§ Mr. DORISasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that County-inspector Foley, Nenagh, had to retire from the Royal Irish Constabulary force before he had completed forty years' service; can he state upon what grounds District-inspector Conor Beirne, Royal Irish Constabulary, Athlone, has been ordered to retire; what are the ages and periods of service of District-inspectors Webster and Fitzsimons of the same force, and why they have not been retired; and does the difference in 928W treatment of these officers arise from the fact that Messrs. Foley and Beirne are Roman Catholics, while Messrs. Webster and Fitzsimons are Protestants and prominent Freemasons.
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The inspector-general informs me that County Inspector Foley was not required to retire before he had completed forty years' service. District-Inspector Conor Beirne has not yet been called on to retire. District-Inspector Webster, who has retired on pension, is sixty-one years of age, and has over forty-two years' service. District-Inspector Fitzsimons has not yet been called on to retire. He is now sixty years of age, and has over forty-two years' service. The ordinary practice is to retire officers on pension when they attain the age of sixty years and have completed forty years' service. Exceptions are occasionally made when, in the opinion of the Government, the circumstances render it desirable in the interests of the public service. The question of religion is never taken into consideration.