asked the Minister for Defence whether, in view of the drain on the labour force in rural Ireland that recruitment is causing, he will ensure that special leave will be available to enable the personnel from rural Ireland to help with the harvest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Leave.
An analysis of the areas from which men have been recruited shows that the bulk of recruits have come from the cities and provincial towns. As the bulk of recruits are enlisted for only two years' service and they must reach a trained soldier's standard before discharge to the Reserve, it will not be practicable to grant any special leave.