asked the Minister for Finance if it is a fact that former members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who resigned on national grounds or were dismissed from that body for their support of the struggle for independence, and who are now employed in Government services, are penalised by having their pensions reduced in proportion to any cost-of-living increases awarded them as civil servants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pensions of Resigned and Dismissed Royal Irish Constabulary.
The pensions granted to former members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who resigned or were dismissed from that force on account of their national sympathies are subject to the provision of Article 5 (a) of the Royal Irish Constabulary (Resigned and Dismissed) Pensions Order, 1924, which provides for reduction or withdrawal of pension if the pensioner subsequently takes service in a police force or is appointed to any office remunerated out of moneys provided by Parliament. Provision for the suspension of pension on reemployment is a normal feature of superannuation legislation, and similar provisions apply to Civil Service and Garda pensions and to other pensions payable out of public moneys. It would not be possible to make an exception to the rule in the case of Royal Irish Constabulary pensions, and I am satisfied that the application of Article 5 (a) of the Royal Irish Constabulary (Resigned and Dismissed) Pensions Order, 1924, is not in any way inconsistent with the procedure appropriate to other classes of State pensioners.
Would the Minister consider the revision of that Order so that "Parliament" will include only the Parliament of this country and not the Parliaments of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
I would not be favourably disposed to such an amendment.
Would the Minister say why the British Parliament should be in the Order and not the French, American, Australian, or any other?
I might extend it to include those.
That would be consistent at least.