asked the Minister of Defence whether any non-ex-Service Eireann citizens are still employed in a civilian capacity by the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland.

Yes, Sir, 44 of them.

Is the employment of these people at the expense of unemployed ex-Service personnel to be a permanent feature of the Labour Government's policy?

No, Sir, as I am sure the hon. Gentleman knows from answers given previously.

Is the Minister aware that to put into operation any prejudice against Eireann citizens would be most wrong in view of the great help they rendered us on a voluntary basis during the war?