asked the Minister for Defence if he will permit members of the L.D.F. to retain the great-coats issued to them, in like manner as the members of the L.S.F. are permitted to retain their great-coast.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The L.D.F.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether he is prepared to have the great-coats, now being collected from members of the L.D.F., dyed and reconditioned, and reissued to the members who surrendered them, as a gesture of appreciation for their services.
I shall take questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
In a reply given by me to a question in the House on the 7th instant I indicated that it would be necessary for members retiring from the L.D.F. consequent on its reorganisation to return all articles of uniform and equipment other than boots and ground sheets. I explained that it would be contrary to the best interests of the new force—An Fórsa Cosanta Aitiúil—that there should be any possibility of the wearing in public of its uniform by persons who were not members and over whom no control in the matter could be exercised. The suggestion regarding the collection, dyeing and reconditioning of the great-coats and their reissue afterwards to the members who surrendered them cannot be agreed to. In the circumstances, I regret that no departure can be made from the decision already taken in this matter.