Vol. 564 No. 5
109 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if there has been a change in policy in his Department whereby officers of the Permanent Defence Forces appear in uniform on national media stations offering commentary on the war in Iraq; if such appearances were made before; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10101/03]
Members of the Defence Forces are precluded from commenting 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, as previously provided during the Kosovo conflict. Participation began on Wednesday 19 March and is confined to the pro vision 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.
