asked the Minister for Defence if he will indicate whether he has been successful in getting any up-to-date equipment for the Army and to what extent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Equipment.
asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the world situation, any further efforts to procure arms and warlike stores is contemplated so as to enable this country to maintain its proper position.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together. Efforts are continually being made to procure arms and warlike stores from all sources that might be in a position to supply equipment of a type suitable for the Defence Forces of this country. Contracts have been placed and are about to be placed for the supply of certain modern equipment, but it would not be in the public interest to disclose the details.
I do not think it is in the public interest that these questions should be asked at all in open House like this.
I shall exercise my own judgment and my parliamentary rights, Deputy Hickey.
Why did he not ask those questions in the last four years?
What did Major Vivion de Valera do for the last four years, you clodhopper?
On a point of order, Sir. Is the expression "clodhopper" a proper one to be used by one Deputy to another?
It is an entirely undesirable expression and should not be used.
Will it be withdrawn?
In the confusion, I do not know the Deputy who used it.
Deputy Collins used it.
If Deputy Collins used the expression "clodhopper" he should withdraw. Of my own knowledge I cannot say whether he did or not.