To ask the Minister for Home Affairs whether he has received a communication from Mr. Patrick Kenny, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, who claims that he held a commission as O/C. of Police of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Meath Brigade, from May until October of last year, that he was engaged by Comdt.-General Boylan, then O/C. of the 1st Eastern Division, that he was to be paid at the rate of £4 per week, but has never received this money, although he was assured by General Boylan on several occasions that it would be forthcoming; and to ask the Minister what action he proposes to take in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - POLICE OFFICER'S REMUNERATION.
also asked the Minister for Home Affairs what action he proposes to take in the case of Mr. James Keegan, Killyon, Hill of Down, employed as O/C. of Police from May till September, 1922, at £4 per week, but who has not yet received any remuneration for his services; and to ask whether General Boylan's Secretary stated in writing, on November 20th, that Keegan's application would be attended to in a few days.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
I will answer both these questions together. Apparently these men served as Battalion Police. Battalion Police received no special payment for their services in that capacity at the period in question, and it is not proposed to make exceptions in these two cases. Inquiry is being made as to the statements or promises alleged to have been made by General Boylan or his Secretary.
Would it help the Minister in his enquiries if I gave him the information I have got? I have a copy of a signed document here.
Mr. O'HIGGINS
Yes. At that period there was provision for the payment of only one Police Officer in one Brigade area, namely, the Brigade Officer. These two men were Battalion Police Officers. They were not entitled to payment for their services, and if payment was made it was made without proper authority.