Vol. 564 No. 2
123 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether it is appropriate for an Army officer to be appearing on television commenting on a war in which Ireland is not a part; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9239/03]
Members of the Defence Forces are precluded from comment on any 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. In this instance, I am informed that the Defence Forces press office responded directly to a request from RTE to provide technical analysis in the event of war in Iraq. Participation began on Wednesday 19 March and is confined to the provision of technical military commentary by officers of the Permanent Defence Force on particular strategic and tactical military aspects of the present situation in Iraq.
