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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1991

Vol. 405 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aide-de-Camp Appointment.

Michael Bell

Question:

3 Mr. Bell asked the Taoiseach when the practice of appointing an aide-decamp to the Taoiseach commenced; the rank at which this appointment has been held since 1980; the nature of the duties involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The first aide-de-camp to the Taoiseach was appointed on 20 March 1936 and the practice has continued since that date. Since 1980, the appointment has been held by an officer of the rank of Commandant (the present ADC is a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy which is the equivalent to Commandant).

The duties of the aide-de-camp to the Taoiseach by long practice and precedent are to attend with him, when required, at certain formal functions and to represent him on ceremonial and other occasions when it is not possible for the Taoiseach to be present personally.

May I ask the Taoiseach two questions arising from his reply? First, would he consider appointing an FCA officer as aide-de-camp to any of the existing posts? Second, has the post that was formerly held by his present aide-decamp been filled?

In reply to the first part of the Deputy's question, it would not be, I think, altogether appropriate that the office of Taoiseach would be held by an FCA officer and that of aide-de-camp be held by an FCA officer as well but perhaps on some future occasion it could be considered.

The Deputy had in mind a serving officer.

The Naval Service, I am sure, have made their own arrangements with regard to the situation created by the appointment of a Navy Lieutenant Commander to be aide-de-camp.

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