asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that many complaints are now being made by men of the National Army to the effect that they receive their discharges for a date a week before they leave barracks, with the result that they lose a week's pay; if he will take steps to see that men are paid up to, and including, the day they leave, with demobilisation pay after that day; if he will see that compulsory demobilisation ceases until such time as the unemployed citizens of the Saorstát are considerably reduced in numbers.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEMOBILISATION ARRANGEMENTS.
I am aware that soldiers about to be discharged from the Army have had to remain in barracks for several days beyond the dates on which they were due to proceed on 28 days' demobilisation leave. Arrangements have been made to obviate their suffering any loss of pay as a result of such delay.
Compulsory demobilisation of N.C.O's and men has not been carried out except in cases where they were unable to fulfil conditions as regards physique or in cases of bad conduct. Such demobilisation has now practically ceased.