asked the Minister for Defence if he will arrange to have official leave of absence granted to Old IRA medal holders employed in his Department on the occasion of Army holidays.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old IRA Medal Holders.
45.
The answer is in the negative.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not think that the few survivors of the group of people who helped to found this State are surely entitled to take part in the commemorations and to give them a holiday on those particular days is not being too demanding?
I completely agree with the Deputy.
Would it not be a public holiday anyway?
There are five Army holidays which are not public holidays, the 1st January, Good Friday, 1916 Commemoration Day, 11th July and 15th August.
This is not an Army public holiday. This is an occasion in which the whole State will be taking part. Can I take it that the Parliamentary Secretary has stated that it will not be a public holiday?
No. If the Deputy refers to the question he will find that this was related to Army holidays.
This is not what Deputy Power said a minute ago. He said they were entitled to participate in the celebrations.
I have just agreed with what Deputy Power said. I think we should make every possible concession to those people who have fought in the service of their country.