§ Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the total number of pensioners of the rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary drawing pensions on 1st April last, distinguishing 2029W the number under 20s. per week, 20s. and under 25s., 25s. and under 30s., and 30s. and over, respectively; whether he is aware that the great majority of these men are old and unable to work and are mostly resident in rural Ireland, where employment is scarce; and if their many recent appeals to the Government for assistance will be reconsidered in view of their past and present services to the State?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe information is not available in the form asked for by the hon. Member in the first part of the question, and it would serve no useful purpose to institute the extensive inquiries necessary to obtain it. With regard to the latter part of the question, I have already stated, in reply to previous questions on the subject, that every effort is being made to facilitate pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary obtaining suitable employment.