asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to a statement made by a person who has lately returned to this country to receive a commission in the defence forces, to the effect that he hoped the people would give the Fianna Fáil Government every support, and if the Minister approves of such expressions of political partisanship by a person who is now a commissioned officer and as such is required to be above politics and to serve the elected Government of the Irish people no matter what that Government may be.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Statement by Commissioned Officer.
I have seen the statement to which the Deputy refers. It was made on the 2nd inst. and the gentleman who made it was not commissioned until the 9th instant.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I should like to know from the Minister whether this force is going to be non-political in the best sense of the word.
I have already outlined the Government policy a thousand and one times.
On that particular point?
Yes.