asked the Minister for Defence if he is prepared to grant an allowance to each L.D.F. unit on a similar basis as that allowed by the Minister for Justice to the L.S.F., to enable them to have farewell re-unions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Defence Force.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that there is certain dissatisfaction amongst (a) the members of the L.D.F. who, by reason of the age limit, will be compelled to sever their connection with the force, and (b) others who wish to be disbanded now that the emergency is over; and that they desire that the authorities mark the occasion by giving a Grant-in-Aid for promoting a farewell function; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
I propose to take Question Nos. 40 and 41 together.
It is understandable that some dissatisfaction may be caused by the fixing of age limits which will eliminate from the Local Defence Force some members who have given good service during the emergency, but it must be recognised that an upper age limit for such a force is necessary if it is to maintain its military efficiency. I am satisfied that the upper age limits fixed are not unreasonably low having regard to the standard of physical fitness required and to the need for vigorous leadership.
With regard to the points raised about farewell functions and disbandment, the Deputies seem to be under a misapprehension. Unlike the L.S.F., the Local Defence Force is not being disbanded and it is anticipated that the majority of its present members will continue in membership when the force is organised under the Defence Forces Acts. In the circumstances, the occasion for an official farewell social function will not be provided although units will, of course, be free to organise local functions on their own initiative where the circumstances suggest their desirability. I should also like to make it clear that members of the force are at present quite free to resign on giving the notice required in the regulations for the force but, of course, the national interest would be better served if all present members who are eligible decided to continue in the force under the new conditions, and I would like to avail of this opportunity to repeat my recent appeal to all members, irrespective of age, to continue in membership until the reorganisation plan is put into effect.
In view of the fact that a number will have to get out of the Defence Forces owing to the age limit, and also in view of the fact that a number were members of the L.D.F. for the emergency only, would the Minister consider granting a gratuity similar to that granted by the Department of Justice? Would he not grant so much per head as in the case of the L.S.F.?
As far as I am aware, the Department of Justice made no grant. The L.S.F. used their own funds for the purpose which the Deputy has mentioned.
Does the Minister deny that there was a grant of 7/6 per head?
Out of their own funds, I presume.
No.
The remaining questions and answers will be published in the Official Report, unless any Deputy desires to have an oral answer to-morrow, and gives due notice in the office.