asked the Minister for Defence if he will state in respect of each of the two periods (a) May 1st, 1940, to April 30th, 1941, and (b) May 1st, 1941, to April 30th, 1942: (1) the number of soldiers and reservists in Army service who have been declared deserters; (2) the number of declared deserters who have been apprehended; (3) the number of declared deserters who are still absent from Army service; and whether he will further state the number of soldiers and reservists in Army service who, at May 30th, 1942, or at the latest date for which the information is available, were undergoing sentence of detention or imprisonment imposed by courtmartial for (a) desertion, and (b) absence without leave.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Deserters.
It is not proposed to furnish the particulars required as it would not be in the public interest to do so, but I can assure the Deputy that the figures which he has asked for are only slightly above peace-time figures.