asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which Corporal Michael Rouine lost his life at the Peterborough parachute centre.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Parachuting Activities.
6.
Arrangements are being made for the holding of a military court of inquiry into the circumstances of the late Corporal Rouine's death.
May we take it that the question of air/naval sub-depots on the west coast so that a rapid extension of the defence units that may be required in relation to fishery protection——
We are dealing with Question No. 6.
I dealt with Questions Nos. 3, 4 and 5 together. Question No. 6 deals with the corporal who lost his life at a parachute centre.
In relation to Question No. 6, will the Taoiseach state how soon the relevant information in connection with this court of inquiry will be available? Will he also state if it will be available to the House?
Arrangements are being made for the holding of the inquiry but I do not know how soon it will report. The Defence Force regulations provide that the findings and recommendations of all courts of inquiry should be treated as confidential.
Can the Taoiseach indicate why the training took place in Peterborough and what was the purpose of the particular parachute training?
The late corporal was one of three members of the Permanent Defence Force attending a parachute course at the Peterborough Parachute Centre. The purpose of the course was to help the personnel concerned to become instructors in parachuting.
In view of the fact that paratroopers have been dispensed with by the German Army since the Battle of Crete and by Britain and America since the Battle of Arnhem is it now proposed that we will develop this out-moded type of approach to the Defence Forces? Surely the position in relation to tactical training is that troop-carrying helicopters should be purchased to carry out the exercises that might be carried out by paratroopers?
The Deputy is raising other matters now.
I said parachuting not paratroopers.
Can the Taoiseach indicate what the purpose of the parachutist was?
He was on a course of instruction to become an instructor.
Can the Taoiseach indicate how many planes we have which are capable of dropping parachutists?
This is a separate question.
It is not.
It is a separate question. Question No. 7.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I want to raise that question on the Adjournment also.
I will communicate with Deputy Dowling.
7.
asked the Minister for Defence the organisation that is in force or contemplated to deal with parachuting activities.
Parachuting is one of several adventure training activities carried out by members of the Defence Forces.
What is the purpose of the exercise? What is the end product?
The Director of Training lays down guidelines for these courses and he is advised on these matters by the Army Council for adventure training.
What organisation is contemplated in relation to parachutists in the Defence Forces?
These matters are all governed by the relevant regulation.
How many officers above the rank of commandant have undergone parachute training?
The Deputy will have to put down a separate question. I have no information on it here.