andMr. Manley asked the Minister for Defence if he will permit the according of military honours on the occasion of the annual commemoration ceremonies in honour of General Michael Collins, founder and first Commander-in-Chief of the National Army.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Collins Commemoration Ceremonies.
It is not proposed that the Army should officially take part in the ceremonies mentioned.
Would the Minister consult with his leader, the Taoiseach, who took responsibility last year for refusing to permit the Army to pay honour in the annual commemoration of the death of General Collins? I would ask him, with the Taoiseach, to take some note of the fact that a very commendable example was given by An t-Uactarán——
The Deputy is making a speech.
——in relation to acquiring a bust of Collins. In view of that and the fact that 36 years have elapsed and a new generation has arisen since the death of Collins, would he now permit the Army to commemorate the death of its first commander-in-chief?
Mr. Boland
The reasons which applied last year are still operative.
When the Minister said that the Army will not take part officially in this commemoration service, may I take it that the Minister will not discourage any of the Army personnel from taking a part in an unofficial capacity?
Mr. Boland
The position is the same as it always was. Members of the Army may attend in their capacity of private individuals.
A Deputy
Not as it always was.