asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider introducing a resettlement scheme for NCOs and privates who have completed the period of 12 years or over.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Resettlement Scheme.
49.
There is already in existence a scheme whereby men who have rendered satisfactory service in the Permanent Defence Force are granted concessions in securing certain types of employment under the State. When the scheme was brought into operation in 1956 local authorities and State-sponsored bodies were requested to grant similar employment concessions to such men. Non-commissioned officers and Privates who have completed a period of 12 years, or more, service in the Permanent Defence Force are eligible for these concessions and I do not propose to introduce a separate resettlement scheme for those personnel.
Is the Minister aware that, if soldiers who leave the Army and qualify for this 90-day predischarge leave payment take up service with any Government organisation within the 90-day period, they lose the benefit of this money, and could anything be done to rectify that position?
The Deputy will have to give me notice of that question.