asked the Minister for Defence whether a Regular Army sergeant attached to the Skibbereen Battalion, F.C.A., attended an F.C.A. parade on Friday, 3rd June, at Lisheen National Schools, Skibbereen, County Cork; whether at that parade a political speech attacking the Minister for External Affairs was made by this sergeant; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in connection with the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Sergeant and Political Speech.
A Regular Army company quartermaster sergeant who is employed as battalion administrative officer with the Skibbereen Battalion, F.C.A. did attend an F.C.A. parade at Lisheen National Schools, Skibbereen, County Cork, on 3rd June, 1949, but he did not make a political speech there attacking the Minister for External Affairs.
May I ask the Minister if he will consider issuing a Defence Force regulation obliging officers and soldiers, when saluting, to exclaim in a very loud voice: "Heil, MacBride?"
The answer to No. 10 was omitted. It is a question by Deputy Mrs. Crowley. I have the answer here now and perhaps we could take it at this stage.