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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Feb 1961

Vol. 186 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Equipment for Irish Troops in Congo.

28.

asked the Minister for Defence what equipment was requisitioned or requested by the Army authorities for the use of the Irish troops in the Congo and not made available, and the reasons therefor.

The information requested in the Deputy's question relates to matters of internal Army administration and it would not be in accordance with public policy to make any statement in regard to them.

Does the Minister not think that this House has the right to know whether, in fact, equipment that was necessary for the health of the troops in the Congo was requisitioned by the Army authorities and was turned down by the Department of Defence and/or the Department of Finance—I do not know which? Does the Minister not think the House is entitled to know whether, in fact, on grounds of financial policy alone, equipment that was necessary for the health of the troops in the Congo was not made available?

The Deputy is asking a question in regard to equipment requisitioned or requested by the Army authorities and I am saying it would not be in the public interest to give that information. That is a normal manner of dealing with——

Did the House not get an assurance from the Minister for Defence that any equipment wanted by the troops in the Congo that could be made available would be made available? Why is that assurance being broken?

I am not admitting that it was broken.

No, the Minister is not, but will the Minister get an answer from the Minister for Defence to that question?

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