§ Mr. E. KELLYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Dublin Metropolitan Police, numbering 40, have been removed from their barracks at Chapelizod; has it been occupied by Black and Tans, and, if not, by whom; had these Dublin Metropolitan Police charge of the Phoenix Park and the official residences therein; have they been in any way negligent or wanting in their duty; if not, why are these duties handed over to a less experienced and less competent body; whether the present occupants of the Chapelizod barracks rank as Dublin Metropolitan Police; and what duty has been assigned to the Dublin Metropolitan Police who have been ordered to vacate the Chapelizod barracks?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODChapelizod barracks, which are several miles from the centre of Dublin, have been handed over by the Dublin Metropolitan Police to the Royal Irish Constabulary, for the sole reason that it is necessary to increase the number of police doing duty within the City of Dublin. Those members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police who were attached to Chapelizod barracks have, therefore, been transferred to various stations within the city, and their places taken by the Royal Irish Constabulary. There is not the slightest suggestion that any one of the transferred officers has not carried out his duties with entire satisfaction. The Dublin Metropolitan Police is one of the finest police forces in the world, and I am glad to take this opportunity of testifying to its valour and devotion to duty under the most trying circumstances.