asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement in relation to the recruiting campaign for the Army; the number of recruits who have offered their services since the campaign; if the response is satisfactory; and, if not, what steps he will take to improve conditions so that the Army can be made more attractive for those who would be willing to join if pay were improved.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Recruitment.
124.
The recruiting campaign commenced on the 1st September, 1969, and extensive advertising in the press, radio and television commenced on the 4th November, 1969. Between the 1st September, 1969, and the 31st January, 1970, a total of 1,045 men applied for enlistment and of these 672 were accepted.
This response is regarded as satisfactory as the number of recruits enlisted in the corresponding period in 1968-1969 was 326.