asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that it is alleged that certain high officers in the Army have recruited for a foreign army or have sons serving in such army and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Army Recruitment.
I am not aware that it is alleged that certain high officers in the Army have recruited for a foreign army but, if such an allegation has been made, I am satisfied that it is entirely without foundation. I am informed that two sons of Army officers are serving in a foreign army but, as the Deputy is aware, I have no more jurisdiction over Army officers as parents than I have over any other citizen of the State.
I could furnish the Minister with the names of certain high officers in the Army who have made representations to the British Government to get their sons into the British Army as cadets. When the Irish Army is good enough for the fathers, why is it not good enough for the sons? Will the Minister not take some action in a case of that sort, where you have those men sending their sons to a foreign army?
The information which I have just given the Deputy is the only information available to me.