asked the Minister for Defence whether the figures so far available indicate a satisfactory response to the current Army recruiting campaign.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Recruiting Campaign.
23.
Yes. The response to the campaign so far has been highly satisfactory.
Can the Minister explain why there has been a satisfactory response.
It has been highly satisfactory.
Can the Minister explain why it is satisfactory now as against two years ago?
I am not concerned with that. I am concerned with the present position. We are getting the recruits and we are quite pleased with the response. Conditions are attractive naturally.
The Minister has made conditions better now?
Conditions in the Defence Forces are improving all the time.
Could I ask the Minister if he would alter the age of recruitment for married FCA men so that it will be in line with married ex-Army men? An FCA man over 28 years of age cannot join the Army but an ex-soldier can.
That looks to be a reasonable proposition and I will look into it. At the moment we are getting as many as we require, but we will examine the Deputy's proposition.
Could the Minister tell me what is the purpose of this recruitment drive?
That is a separate question.
Could the Minister tell me how many married men applied for recruitment and how many were turned down?
I have not got a breakdown of the figures.
It would seem to be a separate question.
I will put down a question next week.