asked the Minister for Finance if the Committee of Inquiry into Resignations and Dismissals from the Royal Irish Constabulary reported that it considered as caused by national sympathies the withdrawals of certain members from that force in the period between the 1st April, 1916, and the 11th July, 1921, who pleaded ill-health as the reason for such withdrawal and were paid gratuities by the British Government; if it was found subsequent to the passing of the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1923, that these men could not legally be regarded as coming within the definition of having resigned or having been dismissed and were consequently debarred from receiving any award under its terms and if he will state what action, if any, the Government proposes to take in regard to this matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - RESIGNATIONS FROM R.I.C.
The answer to the first and second part of the question is in the affirmative. This matter has been considered by the Executive Council and it has been decided to introduce legislation as soon as it may be practicable to amend Section 5 of the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1923, so as to bring the cases of these men within the scope of the section.