asked the Minister for Defence if he will state whether British Army officers are at present engaged in surveying the coastal defences of this country; and, if so, if he will state the date on which they arrived and the number so engaged.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - British Army Officers in Ireland.
No British military personnel have been or are engaged in surveying the coastal defences of this country. A general topographical and photographic survey of coastal areas has been in progress since November, 1948. At the request of the Army authorities, certain technical equipment and the services of some technical personnel were obtained from the British authorities to assist the members of the Defence Forces in carrying out this work. Two British officers and about ten other ranks were made available but these have now been reduced to one officer and two other ranks. It is anticipated that the field work of the survey will be completed by the summer, after which the remaining British personnel will leave. The report will be completed by members of the Defence Forces.