Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Jun 1924

Vol. 7 No. 23

PRIVATE NOTICE QUESTION. - ARMY SCHEME OF REORGANISATION.

Mr. DAVIN

asked the Minister for Defence whether it is a fact that:

(a) A Scheme of Army Reorganisation has been drawn up by the General Officer Commanding the Forces and approved by the Executive Council.

(b) If it is proposed to make drastic changes in the existing General Organisation.

(c) If such is the case, is the Minister, in consideration of the incidents which arose as a result of the last reorganisation, prepared to lay on the Table of the House this proposed scheme of Army Reorganisation for a period before it comes into operation?

The PRESIDENT

A scheme of reorganisation for the Army was ready for bringing into force on the 1st April. Circumstances prevented this scheme coming into operation. A fresh scheme which alters the first scheme in certain respects is now under consideration of the Executive Council. A White Paper will be circulated in connection with the Army Estimates showing the strength included in, and the cost of each scheme.

Major COOPER

Will the President give us a guarantee that we will have a full opportunity of discussing the Army Estimates, and that they will not be closured in any way?

The PRESIDENT

I do not intend to closure any of the estimates but I am not in a position to answer that question because it is within the right of the Dáil to say which estimate they shall consider first. But, if it be a question of time, or affording time, or sitting late, I am prepared to meet the wishes of the Dáil in that respect with regard to Army administration.