asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that a soldier named Hogan, who prior to his enlistment was a railway signalman, and is on duty as a soldier for 16 hours per day, whereas his duty as a railway signalman did not exceed eight hours per day, and whether this action has given rise to considerable dissatisfaction to the local railwaymen, and whether he will issue instructions to have this man sent to his ordinary duty immediately.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ ORAL ANSWERS. ] - SOLDIERS' HOURS OF DUTY.
I am not aware that Hogan is on duty for 16 hours a day. He was permitted as a special measure to relieve another signalman for short periods owing to a difficulty experienced by the railway company concerned in getting signalmen capable of operating a certain cabin. I am also not aware that there has been any dissatisfaction among local signalmen arising out of Hogan's duties. It is now possible to release Hogan from military service, and he is being returned to his ordinary duty forthwith.