asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of people at present in the Civil Service who refused to take the Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown during the years 1918, 1919, 1920 and 1921, with reference to the various branches in which they were employed, with their status in those branches then and their status now.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Servants' Status.
The reinstated officers at present serving in the Civil Service resigned or were dismissed from the British Civil Service for a variety of political reasons. No statistics have been compiled of the number of such officers who refused to take the Oath of Allegiance in the years 1918 to 1921, and all the cases have long since been finally disposed of by the issue of certificates under the Superannuation and Pensions Act; 1923, or the Superannuation Act, 1936. In view of the length of time that has elapsed, the number of officers who refused to take the oath could not now be ascertained except at an altogether disproportionate expenditure of time and labour. If the Deputy is seeking information regarding any particular case or cases, my Department will be glad to facilitate him with any information which is available.