asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the reasons for the closing of the soldiers' club at Parnell Square, and if he is aware of the need for soldiers' rest rooms in the centre of the city and, if so, if it is proposed to provide suitable rest rooms where soldiers off duty can be provided with light refreshments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Soldiers' Club.
The establishment of soldiers' clubs or rest rooms is the responsibility of the Army Welfare Association, over which I do not exercise financial control. I can, however, say that the reason for closing the club in Parnell Square was the loss incurred over a long period. Revenue was not sufficient to meet outgoings in upkeep, wages and normal expenses.
Whilst it would be desirable to have soldiers' rest rooms in the city, the Deputy will appreciate from the foregoing that the Army Welfare Association is unable to provide such facilities.
Mr. Byrne
In view of the fact that since that club was closed the Army has expanded and that a very large number of country boys are now in the Army who do not know Dublin very well, does the Minister not think it desirable that the Government should provide a club or a restaurant for them in the City of Dublin?
The Deputy must not be aware that soldiers are now retained in the area in which they are recruited. Dublin soldiers are retained in Dublin. Deputy Byrne does not seem to have grasped the fact that Army personnel did not support the club and that, therefore, it had to close.
Mr. Byrne
My information is to the contrary. I am told that the club was patronised and overcrowded every day and night of the week. These young men have now nowhere to go. They must find the money for the theatres or the cinemas or for other clubrooms.
The only place they have to go is to their own homes. Deputy Byrne will have to find something else to talk about.