Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Dance Band's Engagements.

asked the Minister for Defence whether he has received a complaint regarding the acceptance of private engagements by a military dance band at Boyle, to the detriment of local band owners; whether he is aware that his Department gave an assurance that action would be taken to prevent a recurrence of the matter complained of, notwithstanding which the military band has again performed at dances; and whether he will state what action he will take in the matter.

A complaint was received from the proprietor of one of the local bands in Boyle concerning some members of the Army who, while off duty, performed as a military band at local functions. These soldiers are not official Army bandsmen and, in fact, it is contrary to the practice of my Department to permit Army bandsmen to accept outside engagements except in cases where suitable civilian musicians are not available. I understand that the soldiers concerned have, when off duty, given their services free of charge for the purpose of assisting local charities and that they have also played in a local club of which they are members. The general question of the performance as musicians by members of the Army, while off duty, is at present being examined.

Top
Share