asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that members of the Defence Forces in the 1st Division and Southern Command are prohibited from obtaining late passes to dances until 3 a.m., and that they must be in barracks by 11.30 p.m., while members serving in other commands are granted passes to enable them to attend an all-night céilidhe or dance at least once per month; and whether, in order to make Army life attractive in the Southern Command, he will consider the granting of such late passes to the soldiers therein so as to attend a late dance each month.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Passes.
The granting of late passes to dances is a matter for the discretion of the officer commanding the division or command concerned. Every reasonable facility in this respect is accorded having regard to the exigencies of military service and the maintenance of proper discipline, and I do not propose to intervene in the matter.
I might add that the practice in the 1st Division and Southern Command does not differ from that in other units.