asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the present recruiting campaign for the Army.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Recruiting Campaign.
35.
The number of men enlisted for general service in the Permanent Defence Force during January, 1974, was 477. This figure is the highest for any month of January since 1954 and is very satisfactory.
Has there been any fall-off in the number of recruits? Are the numbers fairly steady?
I would not say there has been any fall-off. If my memory served me correct—I have not the figures here—at the 21st of the month we had about three-quarters of the 477. It is in a regular situation.
Is the Deputy suggesting that it was a Christmas hangover that brought in the recruits?
No, it was the unemployment.
Even making allowances for the fact that the figure of 477 is the highest for some years it is unlikely that the Minister will reach the desired target.
The figure is the highest since 1954, and if this level of recruitment is to continue for the next 12 months I will hit the maximum target laid down. I should like to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that included in that target are the two Border battalions which will be the subject of the building of a new barracks at Monaghan and the renovation of the existing one at a cost of over £¼ million in Dundalk. As happens elsewhere in the country, Army recruitment occurs around existing barracks. Until we have those barracks there we cannot get the full flow of people from the areas of Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan which we would get if we had good barracks there. If I succeed in reaching the target, the highest target that was produced taking into account those Border battalions, it will be very good. However, until I have those barracks in operation I have not myself fully organised to get the maximum number of recruits from every part of the country.
It will be some time before the barracks referred to are in operation.
The Deputy will be glad to know that I have given full approval to the architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and heating consultants.