asked the Minister for Defence the number of applicants, the number accepted, distinguishing between married men and single men, and the number who applied for re-instatement as a result of the present Army recruitment drive.
55.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Recruitment Drive.
54.
asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the current Army recruitment campaign.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.
The reason for the current recruiting campaign is that it is considered necessary to increase the strength of the Army.
The number of men who applied for enlistment in the Army during February, 1972, was 1,008, comprising 138 married and 870 single men. The number accepted for enlistment was 539 comprising 43 married and 496 single men.
The number of men who applied for enlistment during February, 1972, and who had previously served in the permanent Defence Force was 45.
Would the Minister explain what he means when he says that when a man re-applies for service his re-instatement may not be permissible because his services are no longer required? I have made representations on behalf of men who wished to join or re-join as the case may be. In another case——
We cannot have another speech on this question.
This was the case of a man who was discharged on the termination of his emergency service.
We cannot debate the matter at Question Time.
I want to know why, on completion of his emergency service, a man may be told he is required no longer. The fact that these men are not allowed rejoin is a slight on their conduct while they were serving.
The Deputy cannot make a speech on every question.
I am stating a fact.
The Deputy is always stating facts.
I am glad the Chair realises that and I wish some of the people on my right would realise it also.
Each application must be fully investigated and there are many different grounds, such as health and so on, on which an applicant can be rejected. I have not been given details of any particular cases and I cannot, therefore, give the grounds for rejection.
I have got some cases here and I have got many more at home. The Minister's secretary has signed them. Who runs this Department? I wrote making representations to the Minister and I have two replies here on behalf of two men.
Would the Deputy report progress now and let us get on with Questions?
I want to know will we ever find out the reason why these people have not been accepted for reinstatement into the Defence Forces?
I want to assure the Deputy that we are anxious to secure suitable recruits and, if a candidate is rejected, there is always a good reason for that rejection.
May I ask the Minister what he intends to do with all the extra men he is recruiting now?
As I explained, the Army was below strength and it was necessary to bring it up to strength.
For what purpose?
The serving men were under a heavy strain because of protection duties.
The protection of what?
The Deputy is not that simple.
No, but the Minister is.