asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the date on which the Commission was appointed for the purpose of investigating claims received from persons who were dismissed or resigned from the Royal Irish Constabulary for reasons of national sympathy; the number of applications received from such persons; the number, if any, still to be dealt with by the Commission; whether he has so far received an interim or final report from this body, or if not, when he hopes to receive same; also if he can now indicate a date when he hopes to convey the decision of his Department in connection with such applications to all the individuals concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dismissed or Resigned R.I.C.
The approval of the Executive Council to the personnel of the Committee of Inquiry into Resignations and Dismissals from the Royal Irish Constabulary was given on the 17th January, 1934. The number of applications received by the Committee is 332. The Committee have not presented an interim report, and I am not aware of the precise number of cases which now remain to be dealt with by them. I understand, however, that they have almost completed their investigations and that they intend to present a report covering all the claims submitted to them, at a very early date. Every effort is being made by the Committee to expedite the completion of the inquiries outstanding. Many of the cases have proved very troublesome, and, in a very large percentage, the Committee have found it necessary to make independent inquiries as to the veracity of the applicants' statements and as to the value which might be attached to recommendations submitted on their behalf. It will be appreciated that, in view of the time which has elapsed since the resignations and dismissals, independent investigation has been very difficult.
With regard to the last part of your question, individual applicants will be informed of the decisions in their cases with as little delay as possible after the Committee have presented their report.