asked the Minister for Defence if he will abolish the mileage limit for the attendance of an army firing party at funerals of deceased members of the Old IRA.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Firing Parties.
24.
Having regard to the present commitments of the permanent Defence Force, it would not be appopriate to abolish the limit in question. The waiver of the limit may, however, be considered on the merits in individual cases.
Will the Minister tell the House if the limit of 25 miles from the nearest occupied military post still applies?
Yes.
Will the Minister let me know the number of times a firing party appeared in the last year?
That is a separate question.
I have not the information but I can assure the Deputy that in any case where the firing party was required outside the limit set down and where any responsible person asked me to make an exception I made it. I did it for many Members on the other side of the House and will do so in the future.