asked the Minister for Defence if he will state why the grade pay of 3/- per day was withdrawn from Farrier John McSweeney, Curragh Camp, while his services were retained, from the 6th December, 1924, until the 29th of September, 1925, and if the same work is now costing the State more by being done by civilian contract.

Inasmuch as the establishment of a military farrier at the Curragh Camp has not been provided for by regulation, additional pay was withdrawn from Private MeSweeney on the 6th December, 1924.

Taking into consideration the total cost of a soldier's clothing, maintenance, etc., the shoeing of horses by civilian contract will cost less than if done by military farriers.