asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of considerable disquiet in the Army caused by recent disciplinary measures, including the reconsideration of disciplinary cases already dealt with; and if, having regard to the damage to morale caused by these activities, he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Disciplinary Measures.
86.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the examination which has been made of certain cases of personnel of the Permanent Defence Force in which there was a history of unsatisfactory service. This was done for the purpose of deciding whether extensions of service in these cases would be granted. Extensions of service were refused in a very few cases and warnings were issued in others that without an improvement in conduct, such extensions might not be granted on the expiration of current engagements. Otherwise, no special disciplinary measures have been taken and there is no question of reconsidering disciplinary measures already taken.
There is no reason why well-conducted satisfactory soldiers should feel any disquiet as a result of the action taken which, far from damaging morale, is serving to improve it.
Is the Minister aware that there is considerable concern that exceptional measures are being taken this year when considering applications for extension of service? Is it not true that, in fact, an unusual proportion of these cases are now being refused?
The Deputy is saying something which is not exactly true. I have told the Deputy already that the extension of service was refused in very few cases and that warnings were issued in others that unless there was improvement in conduct, extensions would not be granted.
But there is an unusual proportion.