asked the Minister for Defence the present strength of the regular army giving the respective number of officers, NCOs and men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Strength.
29.
The strength of the permanent Defence Force, including the Naval Service, on 30th September, 1971 was 8,817 comprising 1,117 officers, 2,980 non-commissioned officers, 4,691 privates and 29 cadets.
30.
asked the Minister for Defence the present strength of the First Line Reserve giving the respective number of officers, NCOs and men.
The strength of the Reserve (First Line) on 30th September, 1971, was 1,566 comprising 301 officers, 264 non-commissioned officers and 1,001 privates.
Would the Minister please read the reply again?
The Minister read the reply once.
We did not hear it.
The strength of the Reserve (First Line) on 30th September, 1971, was 1,566, comprising 301 officers, 264 non-commissioned officers and 1,001 privates.
Is the Minister satisfied with the strength of the Army considering that there are illegal armies who claim they are strong enough to defeat both the Army and the Garda? The security of the country is at stake and the Government and the Minister are standing idly by. The Minister is not fit to be in that position. He cannot answer the question.
The Deputy is a disgrace.