asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the purpose of the visit to Germany of the Army Chief of Staff and the Officer Commanding the Air Corps.
103.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visit of Army Officers to Germany.
102.
asked the Minister for Defence whether the recent visit by the Army Chief of Staff to Germany will result in a standardisation of equipment for Army personnel by placing all further arms contracts with Germany; and whether any further exchanges with Germany are contemplated.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
The Inspector General of the German Armed Forces invited the Chief of Staff and two officers of his staff to visit the German Forces during the period 27th to 31st October, 1969. As the visit would provide an opportunity for the Chief of Staff to observe at first hand the equipment and organisation of the German Forces it was decided to accept the invitation. The programme for the visit included visits to Naval and Air establishments as well as to Army establishments and the Chief of Staff was, therefore, accompanied on the visit by the Commanding Officer of the Naval Service and the Officer Commanding the Air Corps.
The question of the standardisation of equipment for Army personnel or the placing of arms contracts with Germany did not arise.
There are no plans for further exchanges with Germany.