asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that organisations which engage Army bands to attend at commemoration ceremonies, such as the unveiling of memorials in memory of the patriot dead, are required to pay substantial sums in respect of the services of the bands, and if so, if he will consider confining the charge to the transport costs involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charges for Army Band Services.
I am aware that fees according to a prescribed scale are charged for the services of Army bands when they are engaged for nonmilitary ceremonies. I regret that I could not consider confining to the transport costs involved the charges to be made for the attendance of Army bands at commemoration ceremonies.
Will the Minister not agree that were it not for the sacrifices made by these men, we would have no Army bands in this country to-day, we would have no Army and we would not have the freedom we enjoy to-day? Would the Minister not agree that the least tribute we can pay to their memory is to make these bands available, in accordance with the conditions suggested in the question, that is, that the charge be confined mainly to the transport costs involved?
In that case, I would require to give my whole time to decide what would constitute a proper place for the band to go. If bands were made available on a ruling like that, they would be out every day. I am glad to subscribe to the holding of commemoration ceremonies in memory of people who have made this State possible but that represents a very large number scattered over 32 Counties and some not even in the State itself. To decide that matter would require the services not only of the Minister whole time but of a staff. I think the regulations are reasonable. I do not think anybody complains as to the way it is done. Even where payment is made, they cannot be allowed to go unless they are available. I have to exercise reasonable care in that regard. I think I have been generous enough and so has my predecessor in the allocation of bands to ceremonies such as this where the regulations are fulfilled.
Would the Minister not consider that the charge is rather high in the sense that the band is catered for during that particular day by the commemoration ceremony committee? Therefore, the Army saves a certain amount through catering for the members of the band. I have a specific case in mind. I thought the charge of £9 10s. for the use of the band for the day, some 14 miles from their base, was rather excessive. Would the Minister not consider relating the charge to the distance from the barracks where the bands are stationed?
The regulations I am operating were made by my predecessor, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Up to this, they have worked satisfactorily. I do not think there are any grounds on which I should now start to alter the regulations.