asked the Minister for Defence the precautions taken by his Department when sanctioning military funerals for old IRA veterans; and if he is aware of some occasions on which these precautions have been abused.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Funerals.
27.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the arrangements whereby— (a) flags, rifles et cetera are loaned and blank ammunition is issued; or (b) buglers or military firing parties are provided; for the rendering of funeral honours at the burial of deceased members of the Old Irish Republican Army or kindred organisations. Outside the Dublin area, applications for the facilities are granted subject to the recommendations of, and certification of the facts in each case by, the local Garda Síochána authorities. Applications for the facilities within the Dublin area are granted when requested by the liaison officers appointed by the organisations concerned. My Department is not aware of any abuse in the matter.