asked the Minister for Defence if he will state to what use it is intended to put the overcoats of members of the Army who have been or are about to be demobilised, and if he will state the number to be so disposed of.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Army Overcoats.
At present, there are about 6,000 army great coats classed as unserviceable in army stores and it is estimated that as a result of demobilisation a further 25,000 to 30,000 will become available.
One thousand of these coats are about to be disposed of to charitable organisations.
A final decision has not yet been reached as to how the balance of these garments will be disposed of, but consideration is at present being given to that question.
Will the Minister not consider the advisability of giving the coats to the men for whom they were made and who served the country so well? Why not give them a grant of £25 from their deferred pay and give them their coats for Christmas? Show some real appreciation of the services they have given the country.
Will the Minister consider having some mark put on the inside of the material of those coats which will not be visible except on examination, in order to ensure that coats improperly taken from army stores may be distinguished from those in the legitimate possession of grantees?
That will be done all right.
Will the Minister answer my question? Will he not give the coats to the men who wore them for the past five years?
I have nothing to add to the answer that I have given the Deputy.