asked the Minister for Defence whether in recognition of the long service of members of An Forsa Cosanta Aitiúil, and particularly of those who have served through the twelve years since its inception and who had previously served with the Local Defence Forces throughout the Emergency, he will take the necessary steps to increase the present grant by fifty per cent. for those who have completed five years' service and to double the grant for those who have completed twelve years' service.

I do not propose to increase the present rates of gratuities payable, in respect of attendance at annual training, to members of An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil.