asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the fact that there will be many members of the FCA in training camps on 28th June doing their annual training, he will make special arrangements to facilitate these members to return to their homes in order that they may cast their votes on the day of the local elections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Voting by FCA Members at Training.
21.
In accordance with Defence Force Regulations members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil undergoing annual training on 28th June, 1967, who wish to vote at the local government elections to be held on that date, will be granted leave with pay, to enable them to do so.
Will they be provided with transport to travel home? Leave with pay would be very little use to people who have to travel 50 or 60 miles.
The regulations provide for leave with pay and not free transport.
Surely the Minister will agree that sort of thing is very little use to people who find it impossible to travel the distance some of them have to travel if they do not get free transport? Could a lorry not be going in the same direction accidentally? It has happened before.
There will be approximately 830 members in training camps on that date. It is estimated about 150 of them are eligible to vote.
Could the 150 not be left somewhere else?
Questions Nos. 22 and 23 postponed.