asked the Minister for Defence whether he will state the period of service given (a) in the Army and (b) in the Army reserve by Private Daniel Broderick, No. 68258, of Charleville, County Cork; his character in the Army; and the date upon which he would normally be due for discharge from the reserve; and whether he will state if he is aware that Mr. Broderick was discharged from the reserve on the 19th February, 1934; and if he will state the reasons for such discharge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discharge of Army Reservist.
Private Broderick had three years Army, and three years 286 days reserve service. His character in the Army was "Very Good." He was normally due for discharge on the 9th May, 1936. He was discharged on the 19th February, 1934, for the reason that his services were no longer required.
Will the Minister say what were the circumstances which made Private Broderick's services no longer required in the Army?
That his services were no longer required.
What are the circumstances which made the Minister come to that decision?
His case was inquired into and it was decided that his services were no longer required.
Was the case that was inquired into the fact that his character in the Army was very good and had been very good for a period of three years in the Army and nearly four years in the Army reserve?
No, that was not so.
Will the Minister say what was the case that was inquired into?
I put it to the Deputy that the circumstances are such in some particular cases that people's services are no longer required, though they have given good service in the past. For instance, take the Deputy's own case where he was kicked out of the Cabinet; though he had given good service in the past it was found that his services were no longer required.
Does the Minister desire to say that Mr. Broderick was kicked out of the Army because circumstances existed which made his services no longer required, and will he say if these circumstances are of such a kind that the Minister cannot inform the House or inform the man who is being put out of the Army what they are?
Broderick was discharged from the Army after his case was investigated. It was decided that out of the 8,000 reservists this man's services were no longer required.
Will the Minister say——
Next question.
——if the man was given notification that his case was being inquired into?
Order!