asked the Minister for Defence if he will state in respect of each of the last five years the number of soldiers who retired from the Army on reaching the age limit, and the number of such men who accepted (a) a civilian suit and (b) £3 10s. Od. in lieu of a suit; and if he will give the cost of a civilian suit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Retirements.
89.
Mr. Ryan
Owing to the fact that members of na Buan Óglaigh in certain categories may be permitted to continue in service beyond the basic age limit (49 years up to 28 Samhain, 1962 and 60 years since then) to complete certain specified periods of service it would be difficult to give information in the form requested by the Deputy in the first part of the question. I propose, however, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission, to circulate in the Official Report some information in tabular form which will, I trust, be of assistance to the Deputy.
With regard to the second part of the question, contracts for the supply of civilian suits are placed as a result of competitive tendering and it would be contrary to established practice to disclose the contract price.
Following is the statement:
|
Year |
Number of Men discharged with 21 or more years' service* |
Number who accepted civilian suits |
Number who accepted £3 10s. Od. in lieu of civilian suit |
|
1959 |
118 |
3 |
115 |
|
1960 |
107 |
— |
107 |
|
1961 |
141 |
6 |
135 |
|
1962 |
100 |
3 |
97 |
|
1963 |
100 |
3 |
97 |
* Men who are discharged with 21 or more years' service qualify for pensions.
Mr. Ryan
May we take it that the cost of a suit is in or around the figure of £3 10s., which is offered to the men in lieu of a suit, or would it be greater? Would the Minister consider increasing the amount given to the men in lieu of a suit?
When the Deputy has had an opportunity of examining the table which will be circulated, I think his point will have been answered.
What sort of suit is it?
The language to describe it would be unparliamentary.
Mr. Ryan
Seventy shilling tailors.
If the Deputies examine the statistics given in the table, I think they will have second thoughts about the matter.
If we examine the suits will we have second thoughts?