asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the total strength of the Army (1) on the 14th June of this year and (2) at the present time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Strength.
The strength of the permanent force as on the 14th June, 1951, was 7,750 and on the 25th October, 1951, 7,643.
Mr. O'Higgins
It has gone down.
It has gone down and that is the point we were making over three years when the Party opposite would not even allow recruitment for the Army. That is the proof of the fact that we do require to take the whole situation of recruitment in a serious manner.
Mr. O'Higgins
There is a smaller Army to-day than when you took over.
There is a smaller Army to-day.
Mr. O'Higgins
There is a smaller Army to-day.
You ran out of it.
Mr. O'Higgins
I never ran out of anything.
With your tail between your legs.