Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that James Reilly, of Killegar, Killeshandra, county Cavan, while a constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary, enlisted in the Army and was wounded at the front, losing the big toe of his right foot; that, in consequence of this loss, the Royal Irish Constabulary authorities refused to reinstate him in the force; that, in spite of his disability, the Birmingham municipal authorities employed him as a constable in the Birmingham City Police, where he discharged his duties for several months to the satisfaction of the authorities; and whether, in view of the fact that Reilly has fully proved his ability to discharge his duties as a policeman in spite of his wounds, he will call upon the constabulary authorities in Dublin to reinstate him?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe facts are as stated. The surgeon of the force reported that James Reilly was unfit for constabulary service as the injury to his foot was likely to give trouble in marching, and he was informed that in consequence he could not be readmitted to the force. Ex-Constable Reilly has, on the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Constabulary, been employed in the Birmingham. Police Reserve, into which men are taken who, on physical grounds, would not be capable of performing the ordinary duties devolving upon members of a police force such as the Royal Irish Constabulary. There are no positions in the force which could be given to men who are not fit for all the ordinary duties of a constable.