Vol. 564 No. 3
97 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the protocol governing serving officers of the Irish Army offering commentary on radio and television regarding the war in Iraq; and if he believes that such officers are correctly engaged in such briefings in a war in which the Government has no involvement. [9431/03]
Members of the Defence Forces are precluded from commenting on matters of a political nature, matters which are for decision by Government, or matters 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. Such analysis 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. Given the obvious sensitivities associated with the developing situation, this participation of military personnel will be kept under review.
