asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the State of each Army private recruited to the regular Army in a full year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Recruit Cost.
22.
The current annual pay of an Army recruit is £5,770. Deductions, in respect of rations and accommodation, amounting to £686 per annum are made from pay. The yearly cost of providing clothing and personal necessaries is £251.
Having regard to the cost of recruitment in a given year, would the Minister agree that to pay the person's social welfare for a year could well cost as much as——
That is argument and this is a purely statistical question.
Does the Minister agree that it would be as beneficial to the State to recruit a person into the Army as to pay him social welfare?
That is comment; it is not a question.
With respect, I contend that the figures speak for themselves.
That is what I said, that I respectfully agree with the Deputy.
The Chair should give the Minister an opportunity to answer. I am sure the Minister is interested in this.