Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Dec 1950

Vol. 123 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civilians attached to the Army.

Major de Valera

asked the Minister for Defence whether he has now considered the "very unsatisfactory position" in regard to civilians attached to technical corps of the Defence Forces referred to him at column 598, Volume 120 of the Official Report, and what he proposes to do in regard to it.

The question of the number of civilians employed with various corps and services of the Army is constantly under review and every effort is being made to reduce the numbers.

If soldier tradesmen become available, the number of civilians will be reduced accordingly.

Major de Valera

Is it not possible, because of the number of civilians, that some of the technical corps would not have the personnel to make them mobile in case they were needed?

I would answer that question in the other way that, because of the absence of military technicians, they would not be mobile, and I prefer not to have it so.

Major de Valera

The Minister will appreciate that he himself referred to this matter. The quotations are his quotations. Has he any concrete proposals in mind for dealing with it?

The Minister and my Department are very concerned about the situation that arose with regard to technical men over an alteration in pay some years ago. If we could devise a scheme that would get soldier technicians instead of civilian technicians, we would be very relieved. The thing is under review and consideration.

Major de Valera

Has any progress, in regard to the review and consideration, been made since the Minister made that speech last March?

Considerable progress has been made with regard to consideration, but no results have been achieved.

Top
Share