asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that a general feeling of uncertainty as to the future of the Local Defence Force is reacting unfavourably on the recruiting and training of the force; and, if so, if he is now prepared to make know the Government's intention in regard to the future of the force.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Defence Force.
As has already been indicated by the Taoiseach, it is the Government's intention to retain the Local Defence Force as a component of the National Defence Forces.
For that purpose, and having regard to the fact that the present force is raised under the Emergency Powers Act, it will be necessary to bring it within the provisions of the Defence Forces Acts. It is the Government's intention that the present character of the Local Defence Force will remain as that of an unpaid force based on local and voluntary training. The existing wide age limits and conditions of enlistment will, however, have to be changed. Reduction of age limits may lead to the separation from the force of many of the older men who have given loyal and unstinted service during recent years, and it is not inappropriate that I should avail of this opportunity to thank them again for the example of unselfish patriotism they have set and the help they have given in raising and maintaining this great Defence Force and to ask them to continue in service until the end of this emergency. I am confident that they will appreciate that in the post-emergency period it will be necessary to ask them to make way for the younger men who will have to fit themselves to carry the responsibilities borne by their elders in the past.