asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of reports that an insufficient supply of towels, underwear, etc. has been made available to Army personnel; why this situation was allowed to develop; and the steps that are being taken to ensure that it will not recur.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Clothing.
25.
I am aware of such reports. There have been difficulties in obtaining supplies of the items referred to by the Deputy but deliveries thereof have recently been received and adequate supplies to meet requirements are now available. Temporary shortages such as these occur from time to time but they are usually resolved fairly quickly.
Purchases of towels, underwear and other items of clothing are now being arranged on a scale calculated to eliminate the likelihood of such shortages recurring.
Is it true that the Minister's recruiting campaign has been delayed as a result of shortages of supplies such as these?
No, my recruiting campaign has not been delayed because of these shortages. I would further inform the Deputy that, following discussions between my Department and the Department of Posts and Telegraphs, the latter have managed, at great inconvenience, to establish a special section to deal exclusively with Department of Defence requirements. The establishment of this section has resulted in a vast improvement in the system generally. I was very dissatisfied with the system as it stood. We have also increased all clothing requisitions to cater for the expected increase in the intake of recruits and to build up adequate reserve stocks of all items.
Can the Minister assure the House that a sufficient supply of underwear is now available during the inclement weather now prevailing?
Yes. I have done what I could about it and created a new situation between the purchasing section of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and ourselves.