asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the number of men who left the Army since the beginning of this year and the number whose time will expire or terminate up to 1st July, 1926; if he will state whether he proposes to introduce legislation that will enable such men to come into immediate benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ARMY DISCHARGES.
The total number of men who left the Army during the months of January and February, 1926, is 1,155. Of these, only 80 were discharged compulsorily. The number of men whose periods of engagement with the Forces will expire during March, April, May and June, 1926, is 4,933. It is intended at present that the men concerned who are of good character and who fulfil the physical requirements shall be given the option of enlisting for further periods. This is being done at present. The number whose services will terminate up to the 1st July next cannot therefore be stated.
As I informed the Deputy in this House on the 3rd ultimo, military service is not an insurable occupation and consequently contributions are not paid in respect of it. It is not proposed to introduce legislation which will enable men whose services with the Forces will terminate between now and the 1st July next to come into immediate benefit under the Unemployment Insurance Acts.
Mr. BYRNE
Is the Minister aware that a number of men whose service in the Army has terminated have gone out on the unemployed market without one penny in their pocket and without being entitled to any unemployment benefit; that a large number of them were in insurable occupations prior to joining the Army and had stamps to their credit; and will he say why these men are debarred from unemployment benefit?
The law is there and I am not responsible.
Will the Minister say whether the 1,155 men who have been discharged or have ceased their Army service have all been informed that they would be eligible for re-enlistment; and whether only those who had not a good character or who have definitely declined to re-enlist have been discharged?
The number of time-expired men who were discharged voluntarily is 812; the number granted discharge on compassionate grounds, etc., 202; the number discharged medically unfit, 57; the number compulsorily discharged (service no longer required because unsuitable), 23. There were some desertions and deaths, which make up the balance.
Would the Minister say if when men are demobilised or leave the Army they receive Army pay or allowance after demobilisation?
No.
Would the Minister take into consideration the cases of men who had been constantly employed prior to joining the Army, who may have as many as 80 or 90 stamps to their credit, and who, after demobilisation, are not entitled to any benefits?
It is not a matter for me; it is a matter for the Insurance Commissioners. If a question is addressed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce he will be able to answer it.
In the case of men who were insured prior to joining the Army, would the Minister authorise their cards to be stamped while in the Army?
No; the Army is not an insurable occupation.