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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Jul 1928

Vol. 25 No. 5

(CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS). (ORAL ANSWERS). - RESIGNATIONS FROM R.I.C.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that, contrary to the final sentence in his reply of November 16th last, no steps have apparently been taken to consider the case of Mr. T.J. McElligott, now of Bedford, Listowel, Co. Kerry, whose services to the national movement from his resignation from the R.I.C. in 1918 are on record; or to consider any similar case.

The cases of Mr. T.J. McElligott and some half a dozen others, similarly situated, have been under my consideration for some time past and, whilst I have not yet come to a definite conclusion as regards any of them, I may say that, so far as I have gone, I have formed the opinion in his case that, whatever his leanings were afterwards, his resignation cannot be attributed to national sympathies.

Is the Minister aware that there are several cases of R.I.C. men who are dissatisfied with their treatment in this matter?

There are many dissatisfied, but there are just half a dozen people whose cases were not dealt with fully because of their subsequent activities.

Will the Minister say when he came to the conclusion that Mr. McElligott's resignation was not for political purposes or because of his political leaning?

Just within the past two or three months, when I had an opportunity of examining his case. If the Deputy would care to discuss this case—not necessarily to-night but at some time, on the adjournment—he can do so, but I suggest that he should first read Mr. McElligott's own letter of resignation, which was published in the Police and Prison Officers' Magazine on the 11th June, 1919.

I will raise this matter on another occasion when I have made an examination of the case.

SEAN UA GUILIDHE

asked the Minister for Finance whether he can state the cause of the delay in introducing proposals for legislation to deal with the claims of ex-members of the R.I.C., which were recommended by the Committee of Inquiry; and when he proposes to carry out the promise which he made some eighteen months ago.

As I have already informed Deputy O Culachain on the 6th ultimo, certain difficulties presented themselves in the drafting of this Bill. They were in process of being overcome when it became necessary to concentrate attention on legislative measures of a more urgent character. The Recess will give the desired opportunity of completing this Bill, which I hope to introduce in the Dáil on the resumption of business after the Recess.

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