asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of attempts which were made to smuggle ammunition and arms out of Collins Barracks, Cork; what arms, if any, are missing; what disciplinary action, if any, was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Larceny of Arms from Cork Barracks.
32.
I am aware that 1,300 rounds of nine millimetre ammunition were stolen from Collins Barracks, Cork, in August, 1968, and that a Gustaf submachine gun was stolen from the same barracks in March, 1970. Neither the ammunition nor the gun has been recovered.
A non-commissioned officer was charged and found guilty of the theft of the ammunition. He was sentenced to be imprisoned for six months, to be reduced to the rank of private and to be discharged from the Defence Forces.
A court of inquiry is at present investigating the theft of the Gustaf submachine gun and until the findings of the court are available it is not possible to say what disciplinary action, if any, will be taken.
Is the Minister aware that on 7th February the stores were not locked after the morning issue of arms and ammunition, even though the seal was signed by the quartermaster sergeant? Is he not aware that the date is significant? Because on that evening the Collins Barracks Musical Society gave their final performance of "The Desert Song" in the opera hall——
(Interruptions.)
Wait for it.
The Deputy is entitled to put a question——
I am asking a question and the national security is at stake. I am mentioning this and I say the date is significant because a reception was arranged for the participants and their friends in the barracks gymnasium that night and with a large flow of cars——
We cannot have a debate. The Deputy is reading out a speech which is totally out of order.
I am not, I am asking a question.
The Minister for Local Government, Question No. 33.
The musical background is nice, anyway.
I should like to raise this matter on the Adjournment. There are 1,400 rounds of ammunition involved.
The Deputy is making a speech. The Deputy should behave himself.
(Interruptions.)
It is a competition in treachery between Labour and Fine Gael.
(Interruptions.)
You should be ashamed of yourselves.
You are all sitting on shrapnel over there.
(Interruptions.)
Notice has to be given before 3.30. It is now 3.32.