asked the Minister for Defence whether it is the policy of the Government to recruit an unlimited number of men for (a) the Defence Forces, and (b) the Construction Corps, and, further, whether he will state if the recruitment of an unlimited number of men is dictated by military reasons or whether it is merely an aspect of the Government's policy for dealing with unemployment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Recruitment.
It is not proposed to recruit an unlimited number of men for the Defence Forces but only up to the maximum laid down in establishments. Recruitment to the armed forces is dictated solely by military considerations. Recruitment for the Construction Corps is at present limited to five battalions—the full quota for which would be 4,200 members. Recruitment to the Construction Corps follows Government policy to give to young unemployed men without dependents an opportunity of rendering useful national service whilst securing for themselves food, clothing, shelter, pocket-money, and also a lump sum of £10 on completion of 12 months' service, so that they may at a later stage be in a better condition to obtain employment and take their place as useful members of the community.