asked the Minister for Defence the total number of personnel in the armed forces; the total number of civil servants attached to the Department; and the total number of non-military employees in military establishments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Personnel and Civilian Employees.
47.
On 31st May, 1968, the total number of personnel in the Defence Forces was 29,722, the total number of civil servants in my Department was 490 and the total number of civilians employed in military establishments was 1,502.
Only about one-half of the 490 civil servants are engaged, in an administrative and clerical capacity, in dealing with the Defence Forces. The balance comprises the staff dealing with Civil Defence, pensions and allied matters, the Establishment Section and nonclerical classes such as messengers and cleaners.
The Minister said the figure was 29,722?
Yes; members of the Defence Forces.
That includes the FCA?
Yes. I was asked to give the total number of personnel——
I know what the Minister was asked. It is rather a cute answer, and I give him full marks for it.
The question is: "To ask the Minister for Defence the total number of men in the armed forces," and I could not give any other answer than the one I have given.
I am not quarrelling with the Minister, but he could have broken it up and said how many regular soldiers there were.
I was not asked that question. I have given that figure several times in the House.
In relation to the numbers, is it not true there are nearly as many civilians as soldiers?
Question No. 48.