asked the Minister for Defence whether the work of steam-rolling the drill square at Athlone military barracks is being done by soldiers; and, if so, whether he will state why the unemployed civilians in the town were not employed to do this work.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Athlone Military Barracks.
The work in question is being carried out by the military and civilian personnel of the Engineer Maintenance Party, Custume Barracks, Athlone, together with such other military personnel as the requirements of military training have rendered necessary. In the circumstances the question of having the work performed by unemployed civilians in Athlone does not arise.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if that is different from the practice adopted in Kildare, where unemployed civilians are engaged for such work? Is it to be taken that no unemployed civilians will be engaged in Athlone?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this is a departure from all previous policy in connection with the carrying out of such work?
I am not aware of that. I am sure the Deputy will agree that this type of work is an essential part of the training of military units, such as the unit mentioned in my answer, and that no civilian is interfered with because the work is being done within the precincts of the barracks.
Is steam-rolling part of the ordinary training of soldiers?