asked the Minister for Defence what arrangements are made for conveyance to places of recruitment of those desirous of joining the Army; if he is aware that men accepted for service have their travel expenses refunded to them while men who are rejected must bear their own expenses; and if he will take steps to see that those rejected are refunded their fares in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Travel Facilities for Army Recruits.
Mr. Corish
To facilitate persons desirous of enlisting in the forces recruiting centres have been set up in all military barracks. In addition, recruiting staffs are at the present time engaged on a tour of the provinces, the itinerary of which will include a visit to some 150 towns. Full particulars in regard to the date and time of each visit are published in advance in the local Press.
The travelling expenses of persons accepted for enlistment are refunded to them.
The cost of necessary bus or rail fares incurred in travelling from their homes to the nearest recruiting centre and return, by persons who are not accepted for enlistment, will also be refunded.
Would the Minister say if persons who are rejected for the regular Army on grounds of physical insufficiency, are there and then offered the alternative of joining the Construction Corps, where their physical condition permits of that though forbidding their enrolment in the regular Army?
If the Deputy puts down a question to that effect, I will endeavour to answer it.
I thought you would know.