asked the Minister for Defence if members of the British armed forces are afforded facilities by our defence forces to carry out mapping and survey work and to equip with radar our defence establishments; and, if so, by what authority and for what purposes this is being done and at whose expense.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Facilities for British Forces.
At our request, a small party of British personnel arrived here recently with special technical equipment for the purpose of assisting us in completing a general and photographic survey in coastal areas and also for the purpose of training a number of our officers and men in modern survey methods. Delivery is expected shortly of radar equipment for the Air Corps and for anti-aircraft purposes. This equipment has been on order for some considerable time. With the exception of naval ships already fitted with radar equipment, a decision has not yet been taken as to what other units will be so equipped. As this work is being carried out at our request, we are responsible for the expenses involved.
Will the Minister endeavour to ensure that for the future this practice will be discontinued?
What practice?
The practice of bringing in here members of the British armed forces to assist in such mapping and photographic surveys.
The position is that, if we want certain works to be carried out, whether military or civilian, and we have neither the technical equipment nor the technicians, we must secure the technical equipment and/or technicians somewhere abroad.
Would it not have been possible for us to have our own men trained as technicians in this particular branch in other countries, instead of bringing people in here to train them?
It is preferable, and I think Deputy Maguire will agree, that we should, so far as possible, keep our people at home and train them at home. There is quite enough export going on without the Deputy advocating further export.
I am not advocating that.