asked the Minister for Defence why the citizens of Galway city have to pay towards the expenses of an Army band to parade at the St. Patrick's Day parade in the city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Band at Galway.
92.
It is a practice of long standing to accept engagements for Army bands on a fee basis.
In response to an application by Bárdas na Gaillimhe, Banna Ceannasaíochta an Iarthair was made available to participate in the Galway city St. Patrick's Day Parade this year subject to the standard conditions which were notified to An Bárdas and accepted by it beforehand.
Does the Minister think it fitting that the people should have had to contribute for a band in a parade on an occasion when the Minister was taking the salute? Will the Minister indicate in what other centres people had to contribute to get an Army band?
Has everybody not to pay the piper?
That is out of one pocket. In this case they took it out of the two pockets.
By a letter dated 7th March, 1964, Galway Corporation inquired whether the band, together with a contingent of the Army stationed at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, could take part in the parade. The Corporation were informed, by letter dated 13th March, that the band could be made available following a military parade under certain terms and conditions which are standard and which would require payment of a sum of £20, plus payment of the cost of any transport used in conveying the band from Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa to Galway and back. A form of guarantee signed by the Mayor of Galway, on his own behalf and on behalf of the members of the Galway Borough Council, was received from the Galway City Accountant under cover of a letter dated 14th March, 1964. In this letter, addressed to the Secretary of the Department it was stated, inter alia:“His worship, the Mayor, has requested me to convey his appreciation for your co-operation in the matter.” A cheque for £21 was received with a covering letter, dated 25th March, 1964. It is understood from the Acting Town Clerk that the cheque was paid by the Mayor of Galway out of his personal allowance and that accordingly Corporation funds would not be charged with the cost of the band.
Banna Ceannasaíochta an Iarthair was made available for similar engagements in Galway in 1962 and 1963. On those occasions, application for the services of the band was made by the Galway Junior Chamber of Commerce, which body met all the expenses involved. Army bands have been made available generally for paid engagements since 1926.
The Minister has not replied to my question. Does he think it fitting that the people should have to contribute towards the cost of a parade at which the Minister took the salute? It was not the money involved.
Address that to the mayor.
Would you conduct yourself, at least once?
He is not capable of it.
The Deputy is in a spot.
A Cheann Comhairle, would you kindly ask the gentleman on the opposite bench to behave himself? This band had to march only about a mile; yet it cost £20. It is the principle I am raising, not the money. Does the Minister think it was fitting?
The principle is that a fee is always charged and that principle was not departed from in this instance.