asked the Minister for Defence why it was described by him in the Dáil as an act of clemency to permit an officer to retire when he had previously stated that, as a result of the Court of Inquiry which had investigated and established responsibility for a loss to public funds, no opinion adverse to the officer's character or military reputation was formed and that no disciplinary or other action was taken against the officer before his retirement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retirement of Army Officer.
35.
Ordinarily this officer would not have been permitted to retire until his responsibility for loss of stores had been determined. As, however, he had an offer of civilian employment it was decided as an act of clemency to permit him to retire.
Can we assume from that reply that the liability of an officer has still not been determined after twelve months and, if so, how much longer will it take for the Minister to make up his mind?
I am not prepared to answer that question either in view of what I have already said as to the special circumstance in this case.
Raise it on the Adjournment.
What special circumstance?
That is, that we have received notification that there is likely to be a court case in this matter.
In connection with responsibility?
The Deputy will not inveigle me into giving any details.
I am trying to encourage the Minister to reply to the question, that is all.
Mr. Donnellan
Bring him in on the Adjournment.