To ask the Minister for Defence is it true that instructions have been issued to the various military barracks and camps to the effect that artisans and labourers engaged in their ordinary occupations, doing work for the Army, are to be obliged to join the Army, if so, will he state reasons for these instructions, and the conditions under which such employment is to be given; whether this decision is intended to include all persons engaged in work for the Army; if so, is it to be extended to persons working on Army contracts, if not, where it is intended to draw the dividing line?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - CIVIL WORKERS IN MILITARY CAMPS.
TOMAS Mac EOIN
General MULCAHY
It is the intention for purposes of discipline, efficiency and economy, to make the Army as self-contained as possible in respect of all services necessary for its proper functioning.
There has been no General Order regarding the attestation of civilians employed within the Army, but in as far as the application of the foregoing principle will replace by soldiers persons at present employed on work in the Army, we have been prepared to absorb into the Army particular men hitherto employed as civilians, and, in a number of instances, we have done so.
It is, of course, not intended to interfere with persons employed in civil firms on Army contracts.
TOMAS Mac EOIN
Can the Minister say whether there has been many men dismissed?
General MULCAHY
I cannot say, but it may be possible that men have been replaced by soldiers in certain instances.