§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will give the number of head constables and sergeants of the Royal Irish Constabulary having forty years' service and being sixty years of age; and if he will consider the advisability of retiring these men on pension, owing to the delay in promotion occasioned by permitting them to serve, thereby removing a source of discontent?
§ Mr. DUKEThere are twelve head constables and six sergeants of the Royal Irish Constabulary who have completed forty years' service in the force and are sixty years of age and upwards. Under the Police (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1915, members of the force are prevented from retiring on pension during the continuance of the War without the consent of the Inspector-General, except on medical certificate. It is considered desirable in the interests of the public service that men who are fully capable of perforating their police duties should not be pensioned during the present crisis.