asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (i) how many civilian employees, including employees of the Corps of Engineers, have been discharged since 1st August, 1948, from barracks situated in Dublin City and County; (ii) how many of these employees were (a) 1916 men, and (b) old I.R.A. men; and (iii) how many of these men have subsequently been reinstated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Corps of Engineers.
The number of civilian employees discharged since the 1st August, 1948, from barracks situated in Dublin City and County is 61. Of these 19 were 1916 men, including 17 who had also old I.R.A. service. In addition, 17 others had old I.R.A. service. Three of those discharged have recently been reemployed for special work.
Is it a very creditable thing for the Minister for Defence and the Government to be disemploying 1916 men?
It would be very discreditable for either the Minister for Defence or the Government to spend public money if there was not work in return for the money spent.