asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the reason why the members of the Limerick City Police Force who performed duty in the city from 1st August, 1922, to 22nd September, 1922, and had signed on for duty for a period of six months, were not remunerated for the full period of their contract.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick City Police Force.
The members of the unit referred to were paid in respect of the period during which they actually served. They had agreed to serve in the regular forces for a period of six months. When the unit to which they were attached was disbanded in September, 1922, they were given the option of joining the Gárda Síochána or reporting to any of the other units of the National Forces then stationed in Limerick. Those of them who did not exercise either option thereby became absentees and were no longer entitled to pay.
Mr. Bourke
Is the Minister aware that these men got a guarantee of six months' duty from General O'Duffy?
I am aware that they attested for six months but did not continue their service—they were absentees.
Mr. Bourke
They agreed to perform the work for six months, but they were dismissed after six or eight weeks. That was duly signed by General O'Duffy.
I have the attestation forms. They attested for service in the Forces for six months. I understand that somewhere about September 22nd or 23rd they were paraded as the unit in which they were serving was being disbanded. They were given the option, as far as I am aware, of joining the Civic Guard or continuing in any other unit of the National Forces. Some of them did that and some did not. Those who did not were absentees and not entitled to pay.
Mr. Bourke
What about the guarantee that they got from General O'Duffy?
The only guarantee I know about is the guarantee they gave on the attestation form which was not carried out.
Is it not a fact that they attested for police work for a period of six months?
No. The attestation forms I have are the ordinary attestation forms for service in the Forces.