asked the Minister for Defence the number of (a) officers, (b) N.C.O.s and (c) men at present serving in the Congo, distinguishing between married and single men in each of the foregoing categories.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forces Serving in Congo.
29.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:—
|
Married |
Single |
|
|
Officers |
81 |
15 |
|
N.C.O.s |
186 |
193 |
|
Men |
108 |
811 |
30.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications received for permission to remain in the Congo for further service there from (a) officers, (b) N.C.O.s and (c) men, the percentage of such applications to the total Irish military personnel in the Congo under the foregoing classifications, and the number of such applications which have been approved.
I have no knowledge of any applications from officers or men serving in the Congo to remain there for further service after the 25th January next when their liability for external service is due to expire. Applications to this effect have not been invited.
When the Minister says he has no knowledge of any applications having being received for permission to remain in the Congo, is that because of the fact it has not been brought to his notice, or does it mean that no such application has in fact been received?
None has been received here. I do not know if anybody out there has applied to his own commanding officer or not, but certainly none has come to our notice here in Army headquarters and no such applications have been invited.
I take it that if there were a number of such applications, the matter would be remitted here for decision?
The position is that no such applications have been received.
Did anybody apply for permission to remain there?
Not as far as I know.