asked the Minister for Defence whether he has issued general directives on military policy to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Force Directives.
50.
The Defence Acts, 1954 and 1960, and Defence Force Regulations made thereunder provide a comprehensive code governing the Defence Forces. Additionally, specific directives are issued from time to time as necessary.
Arising out of the Minister's non-reply, the question was whether the Minister had issued general directives to the Defence Forces and if he will make a statement. He has failed to reply to that. I now call on him to reply. Has he issued directives to the Defence Forces? If so, what is their general tenor?
The Deputy must not have been listening to my reply. Additionally, specific directives are issued from time to time as necessary. This is my reply.
We might as well be addressing a parrot as this Minister. This is an utterly ridiculous non-reply. Has the Minister issued directives or not? Will the Minister answer?
(Interruptions.)
This is a scandalous non-answer by this Minister.
The Deputy should not take the opportunity of making personal attacks on Ministers.
He should be the last man to make an attack because he is the most vulnerable man in the House.
You were not even in the LDF.
Did the Deputy shake hands with Deputy O'Connell? A decent man.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.