§ Mr. LYLEasked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to convey public appreciation to those members of the Irish Constabulary who have so courageously carried out their duties in face of armed Sinn Fein attacks; and whether in all cases he is ensuring that the families of those who give their lives for the State are as generously looked after as those whose breadwinners made the supreme sacrifice in the War?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWEvery case in which specially meritorious duty has been performed by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in connection with attacks made by Sinn Feiners on them, or their barracks, is brought before the Reward Board of the Force, who, with the approval of the Inspector General, grant appropriate rewards which take the form of special promotion, favourable records, money grants or the Constabulary Medal. The wives and families of men who lose their lives in the discharge of their duty receive the pensions or allowances sanctioned by Parliament in such cases, and the Criminal Injuries (Ireland) Act, 1919, enables them to obtain substantial compensation from the Local Authorities.