asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider altering the Defence Forces' Regulations governing the rendering of honours at military funerals; and if he will recommend that in future the sounding of the Last Post by a bugler be considered rather than the firing of volleys over a grave.
Written Answers. - Defence Forces' Regulations.
32.
Limerick West): The firing of volleys over a grave is the traditional and internationally accepted method of rendering honours by soldiers to a fallen comrade. It is also recognised as being an essential and integral part of rendering honours at State funerals.
Military funerals are, however, provided only at the behest of the next of kin or families of deceased members or ex-members of the Defence Forces. The firing of volleys at the graveside is also at their discretion. Accordingly, I do not consider it necessary to change Defence Force regulations in this regard.