§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Secretary for Ireland how many first and second class candidates for the Royal Irish Constabulary were on the register, the total number of vacancies in the force, and the total number of resignations on the 31st December in the years 1901, 1913, and 1917; how many first and second class candidates were called up in 1917, and how many were rejected by the surgeon of the force; if he will state the sources from which recruits are drawn and if there is a falling-off in any particular class of candidates; if he will state when the standard height, 5 ft. 9 ins., had been lowered to 5 ft. 8 ins.; what is the weekly pay,. exclusive of war bonus, of a recruit for the first six months; whether he has to pay for his messing out of his salary, and if there are any deductions made for equipment; and if it is intended to maintain the traditions of the constabulary force by raising the standard height for recruits to 5 ft. 9 ins., calling only first class candidates and by raising the pay of a recruit to the same level as the minimum wage paid to agricultural labourers in Ireland?
§ Mr. DUKEThe number of recruits coming forward at present for the Royal Irish Constabulary is more than sufficient to meet the wastage of the force, although owing to the increased agricultural activity in Ireland and other causes connected with the War, there has been strong competition by other opportunities of employment. The minimum standard height for candidates was reduced from 5 ft. 9 in. to 5 ft. 8 in. in August, 1914. The weekly pay of a recruit, exclusive of war bonus, is 20s. per week for the first six months of service, when he is receiving professional training. The war bonusis 8s. a week. The total pay of 28s. a week is therefore greater than the minimum rates of wages for agricultural workmen in Ireland fixed by the Agricultural Wages Board. In addition to pay the recruit gets free uniform, barrack accommodation and medical attendance, and 671W when he has completed six months' training his pay is automatically increased to 25s. a week, together with the war bonus previously mentioned. All recruits are charged for their messing out of their pay, and a deduction of £4 each is made for kit necessaries. There is no intention of raising the present standard height for recruits or of increasing their present rate of pay.