asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that members of the Marine and Coast-Watching Service in Kerry have been discharged owing to the closing down of look-out posts, receiving on discharge only one week's pay; and, if so, if he will inquire into the matter with a view to ascertaining what promises were made to men who transferred to the Coast-Watching Service from the Army and who are now too old to resume active service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coast-Watching Service.
Prior to the closing down of look-out posts, members of the Marine and Coast-Watching Service were given the option of remaining in Army Service until the final stage of demobilisation had been reached, or of securing their immediate release from service. Those who applied for immediate release were permitted to proceed on pre-discharged leave. Their pay in respect of this leave has been credited to their pay account and will be forwarded to them in the course of the coming week.
No specific promise in regard to conditions of service was made by or on behalf of the military authorities to members of the Volunteer Force who were transferred or appointed to the Marine and Coast-Watching Service. Conditions of service in the Marine and Coast-Watching Service are, of course, governed by current Army Regulations which have not been departed from in any case.