asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of recruits to the Army in each of the last three years, and the present strength of the Army.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Recruitment and Strength.
The number of recruits to the Permanent Defence Force in each of the last three years was as follows:—Year ended 31st March, 1955: 1,342 (does not include 38 cadets); year ended 31st March, 1956: 1,268 (does not include 28 cadets); year ended 31st March, 1957: 1,752 (does not include 33 cadets).
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 29th June, 1957, was 8,680, comprising 1,181 officers, 60 cadets, 2,781 N.C.O.s and 4,658 privates.
Would the Minister state why the number of cadets went up from 28 to 33 in spite of the fact that the number in the ordinary ranks has not been increased?
I do not know. I was not in the Department of Defence at that time.
I am not suggesting that, but I am asking the Minister why?
I do not know why.
Will the Minister give an assurance that there will be no further increase in the number of cadets in the current year?
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I would like to give notice that I propose to raise the subject matter of Question No. 23 on the adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy in the course of the afternoon.