asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of officers and men demobilised from the Army from 1st August, 1923, to the 12th March, 1924, and, further, if he will state the number of these demobilised officers and men who are at present employed in the service of the Government.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DEMOBILISED OFFICERS AND MEN.
SEÁN O LAIDHIN
The number of officers and men demobilised during the period mentioned were 1,890 and 27,225 respectively. The number of these who are at present employed in Government service is approximately 86 and 282 respectively.
Is the Minister in a position to say when it is likely that there will be some move made to secure employment for these unemployed men? The number of demobbed men employed is not at all commensurate with the number that are walking idly about the streets. I ask the Minister to try to get something done for these men, and to see that they are not allowed to starve.
There is a section of the Department of Industry and Commerce dealing with that matter.