asked the Minister for Defence whether, having regard to the items of equipment which the L.S.F. were allowed to retain on disbandment, and the facilities for farewell social functions provided for that force, he will state what items of equipment, and what facilities for social functions or gratuities will be allowed to outgoing members of the L.D.F. on the forthcoming reorganisation.

I am not in a position at the moment to make any announcement as to the matter referred to in the first part of the Deputy's question. A statement, however, on the subject will be made in due course through the appropriate channels.

With regard to facilities for farewell functions, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to questions Nos. 40 and 41 on yesterday's Order Paper.

I am sure the Minister is aware that high Army officers and officers of the Gárda Síochána attended farewell functions of the L.S.F. Will the same facilities be available for the L.D.F. if such a position should arise?

I shall have to refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to a similar question yesterday.

With reference to the Minister's reply, will he take into consideration the question of retention of great-coats, ground sheets and uniforms?

That is covered in the information I have given.