asked the Minister for Defence whether any, and if so, how many, armoured cars were shipped to the Congo; and what changes were made, or what additional equipment was installed, to make them serviceable in that climate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Armoured Cars sent to Congo.
50.
Eight armoured cars were despatched by air to the Congo with the 34th Battalion.
It would not be in accordance with public policy to make a statement on the second part of the Question but it can, of course, be taken that the vehicles would not have been sent to the Congo, if it were not considered that they would be serviceable in that climate.
Is it not a fact that these vehicles were sent without any equipment for the circulation of air necessary in a climate such as the Congo and that the armoured cars sent by anyone else to similar climates always have fans installed? A request was made for the installation of fans in these armoured cars and that request was refused.
That is not the fact. The armoured cars have proved serviceable and are being used for patrol duties.
Does the Minister say it is not a fact that there was not a request for fans?
No. The whole of the Deputy's statement is not correct.
But 90 per cent. of it probably is.
Is the Minister not aware that fans are part of the necessary equipment? Will the Minister not agree it was his responsibility to see that they were properly equipped?
The Deputy knows that it is not in accordance with public policy to make statements on what changes were made.
This is not a matter of warlike equipment; it is a matter of ordinary comfort and health, which is a different story.