Has the Minister made any allowance in the coming year for recruiting into the different arms of the Defence Forces and to allow for re-enlistment? Has he made any attempt to provide for the extra batallion that might be sent to Lebanon? If re-enlistment is not allowed, this will cause great difficulties with extra duties at home. Does the Minister feel that the Navy and the Air Corps have the potential to man fully the fishery protection vessel that will be needed for naval and air surveillance?

This is a very general question——

It deals with the development of the armed forces and I hoped that might have engaged the Minister's attention. Has he given any thought to the idea that many idealistic young people would be prepared to give a year or two to the service of their country if that was possible? That would be highly desirable in the present unemployment situation.

On the capacity of the Air Corps and the Naval Service to discharge their obligations under the fishery protection laws, I am satisfied they have full capacity and that the new vessel is fully manned. There was a special recruitment to the Naval Service before Christmas to deal with the extra personnel. The Air Corps also got recruits before Christmas. It is hoped that enlistment will take place during the year not just to keep pace with wastage but to go slightly ahead. I agree with Deputy Power that it would be nice to devise a scheme whereby idealistic young men could be given the opportunity to serve for a year in the Defence Forces but I imagine this would give rise to significant financial and administrative complications and the military value of just one year's service might be minimal. However, it is something that could be kept in mind.