asked the Minister for Defence (a) the numbers, and (b) the cost in pay and emoluments, of the Army before and after the recent increases in pay and emoluments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Pay and Personnel.
45.
It is assumed that the Deputy has in mind the increases in pay and emoluments granted during 1964 and 1965. If so, the information sought would relate to the numbers and cost of the Army on 31st December. 1963, and on a date in 1965 after the coming into operation of the increases in pay and emoluments.
The strength of the Permanent Defence Force, including the Naval Service and the Army Nursing Service, was 8,379 on 31st December, 1963, and 8,459 on 31st December, 1965. The accounting records do not, however, make it possible to ascertain the cost of the Force on specific dates without the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and labour and I regret that the information is not, therefore, available in the particular from requested.
If, however, the Deputy will get in touch with me, I will endeavour to supply him with such information as would meet his requirements.