asked the Minister for Finance whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the claims received from men who resigned or were dismissed from the R.I.C. in pre-Truce times.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Resigned or Dismissed R.I.C.
An Order has been made by me under the Superannuation and Pensions Act, 1923, authorising the grant of pensions and gratuities to certain persons who resigned or were dismissed from the Royal Irish Constabulary. This Order is now being printed and will be laid before the Oireachtas. I propose to make a statement in the matter when moving the resolution required by the Act.
Can the Minister explain why persons who left the R.I.C. should be rewarded in preference to persons who abstained from entering it?
In that connection, I will refer the Deputy to the history of this country during the period 1920-21.
That does not explain it.