Mr. NUGENTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many officers in the Dublin Metropolitan Police are retained beyond a pensionable age; if he will give their name and age; if he will explain why men are thus retained who are objectionable to the rank and file of the men; is he aware that dissatisfaction exists in all the grades through this proceeding; and is he aware that the men believe this action deprives them from obtaining the promotion which they would in the ordinary course be entitled to?
§ Mr. DUKEThere is no age limit for retirement in the Dublin Metropolitan Police Force. Under the Act of 1883 voluntary retirement may take place on the completion of twenty-five years' service, and under the Act of 1916 voluntary retirement cannot take place until the completion of thirty years' service and fifty years of age. Men who joined prior to the 457W passing of the Act of 1916 have the right to revert to the conditions of the Act of 1883. The retirement of officers who discharge their duties efficiently because they have attained pensionable service, although it might give increased opportunities of promotion among junior ranks, would not be in the public interest.