Vol. 512 No. 4
66 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence if he will respond to the recent comments expressed by a senior officer of the Air Corps; the action, if any, he will take to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26304/99]
75 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Defence Forces website was carrying a statement from the Chief of Staff welcoming the decision to join Partnership for Peace at a time when Dáil Éireann was still debating the matter; the guidelines, if any, issued to the Defence Forces regarding comment on political or policy matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26188/99]
91 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, being taken to address the concerns expressed at a recent awards ceremony by the officer commanding the Air Corps (details supplied) regarding low morale and delays in providing for re-equipment; the representations, if any, he made to the Defence Forces regarding the content of his speech; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26190/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 75 and 91 together.
As I indicated to the House on previous occasions the position in relation to comments by members of the Defence Forces on political matters is that Defence Forces regulations prescribe as follows:
The granting of interviews or the divulging of information by any officer or man of the Permanent Defence Force to members of the public on matters pertaining to the service or to the conduct thereof is forbidden. Comment, if any, in publications, lectures, broadcasts or talks, touching on questions of a political nature – whether national or international – shall avoid strictly any reference which might be construed as being of a controversial nature.
There are no formal guidelines which apply specifically to senior officers. However, a tradition of strict political neutrality has governed senior public service managers since the foundation of the State and senior military officers have always been governed by that tradition. In recent years, there has been a growing public interest in defence and security issues. As a consequence, a more wide-ranging public debate has ensued. Given these changed circumstances, guidelines may now be appropriate. I share the Deputy's underlying concern that members of the Defence Forces should not make any comment whatsoever on matters of a political nature or on matters which are for decision by Government or which will come before either House of the Oireachtas for discussion or decision. The reason for this is simple. We live in a democracy and politicians are answerable to the people.
I have arranged to have the current regulations reviewed so as to ensure that they meet present day requirements and that every member of the Defence Forces is fully familiar with, understands and adheres to their content. I have also initiated consultations with the Chief of Staff regarding any observations he may have on the preparation of possible guidelines on the matter which may be issued for the information of every member of the Defence Forces.
