Vol. 733 No. 1
45 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the implementation of recommendations from the Defence Forces Medical Services Review; the recommendations he will now be prioritising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12053/11]
The PA report presented an assessment of the arrangements then in place for the provision of medical services for the Defence Forces and proposed a model for the future delivery of those services. The consultants recommended a programme of major change. As recommended by PA, a number of working groups were set up to proceed with the various projects. The working groups were tasked with identifying the practical steps that needed to be taken to achieve implementation of the PA vision for the future medical service. Of the five working groups, four have now completed their final reports, which have been accepted by the steering committee, while the fifth is due to submit its final report at the end of this month.
One of the key issues identified by PA was the requirement to provide for appropriate support and administrative structures to support the management and delivery of modern medical services. However, the PA report did not identify the detailed structures, numbers and processes needed within the recommended centralised command structure. This is the type of work which was undertaken by the working groups.
In the case of the recommended central command structure, the detailed report of the organisation and establishment working group has been approved and the implementation of the new central medical unit can now commence. This is a priority for the coming months and consultations with the representative associations, which have already been briefed on the medical review, are ongoing in this regard. The structure and systems recommended by PA are designed to meet the demands and needs of the modern Defence Forces. I am fully committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and overseas.
I thank the Minister for his reply. Four of the five working groups have completed their work, while the fifth is due to report at the end of the month. Did these groups consider the different areas covered by the review? Will an additional report be forthcoming when the fifth working group has completed its deliberations? One of the measures which has been put in place is designed to ensure that there will be a systematic collection of all medical data by the Defence Forces in order that they can plan better and distribute health resources to meet health care demands. Will the Minister comment on that matter?
When the final working group has completed its deliberations we will have a clear vision of the way forward. I am anxious to implement what is necessary in this area. It is important that members of the Defence Forces should have available to them a modern medical service which meets their needs. We are going to ensure that we take the necessary steps to implement the conclusions reached by the various groups. I will be in a position, at a later stage, to provide the Deputy with additional information in that regard.
46 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the optimum strength of the Defence Forces, Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; the strength of the officer corp; the degree to which the numbers will be maintained in the future with particular reference to the need to ensure that the strength of the forces is maintained at an adequate level to meet any emergencies that may arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12073/11]
I assure the Deputy that, within the resource envelope available for the defence portfolio, I will endeavour to ensure that the Defence Forces are organised, equipped and staffed such that they will retain the operational capability necessary to allow them to deliver the services required of them by Government. The approved employment control framework, ECF, for the Defence Forces is based on a figure of 10,000 members of all ranks appropriately configured across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps. In 2011, the defence organisation, like all areas of the public service, is operating on a reduced budget. The programme for Government sets out a target for further fiscal consolidation during the period to 2015.
In the context of the ECF and the available resource envelope, the military authorities and officials of the Department are in the process of agreeing a restructuring of the Permanent Defence Force to ensure its capability to meet the roles assigned to it by Government. I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 30 April 2011, the latest date for which figures are available, was 9,658, comprising 7,864 Army, 790 Air Corps and 1,004 Naval Service personnel. The total number of commissioned officers serving as of 30 April 2011 was 1,352.
Overall numbers in the Permanent Defence Force, including numbers serving at various ranks, will be subject to ongoing control and monitoring on a monthly basis. This is to ensure compliance within the overall parameters and controls set by Government for each sector. The ECF also sets out that it will be necessary to underpin the reorganisation with the required amendments to regulations and administrative instructions.
Officials in my Department, in consultation with their colleagues in the military, are currently critically examining defence expenditure as part of the comprehensive review of expenditure, to which I referred in respect of an earlier question and which was recently announced by Government. The Government's decisions arising from the comprehensive review will further inform the resource envelope available for defence over the coming years and the priorities within the area of defence. I am advised that at this time the Defence Forces retain the capacity to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and overseas.
I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. In light of the pivotal role the Defence Forces play in dealing with emergencies caused by flooding, fires and inclement weather conditions by assisting with evacuations, etc., will the Minister provide an assurance that the degree to which the Defence Forces are likely to be able to respond to such emergencies in the future will not — even in the context of the current and difficult economic circumstances — in any way be affected or impeded by any review that will take place? I also refer in this regard to the search and rescue services and other emergency services provided by the Defence Forces both on shore and off.
I assure the Deputy that I am fully committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces are able to meet their various obligations, that they will retain the capability for doing so and that they will have available to them the assets they require. The Deputy might be interested to know that some targeted recruitment and promotion is still being carried out within the Permanent Defence Force in the context of the agreed employment control framework and subject to the resources available. To date in 2011 some 261 personnel have been recruited for general service. This very much takes cognisance of the need to ensure that we have available to us the critical personnel necessary to ensure that the Defence Forces can do what is required of them, both domestically and overseas, and that they are ready to be of assistance to the civil authorities in dealing with any emergency that may arise, be it climatic in nature or of some other type which we may not yet be in a position to anticipate fully.
I cannot allow this occasion to pass without asking the Minister to provide an assurance that the ceremonial role undertaken by the Defence Forces, which was highlighted during the past week, will not in any way be impeded in the future. I raise this matter in light of the pride felt by people throughout the country regarding the way in which members of the Defence Forces deported themselves in recent days.
As the Deputy may have heard me state earlier, I am of the view that the Defence Forces were outstanding during the past week. The ceremonial role they undertook in recent days in respect of both the dignity of the ceremonies that took place and the manner in which this country presented itself to the outside world was of substantial importance. I wish to provide the Deputy with every assurance that there is no issue of any description with regard to the Defence Forces continuing to play such a role. However, I do not wish to underestimate, in any shape or form, the important role the Defence Forces played in aid of the civil power, namely, the Garda, in dealing with security issues and in maintaining security at essential locations in advance of the arrival of both Queen Elizabeth ll and President Obama. I commend the Defence Forces on the action they took in respect of issues which arose during Queen's visit, in particular, when their members were called out on a variety of occasions to deal with hoax devices placed at different locations, hoax telephone calls and a small number of devices which may have posed a danger to the public. Defence Forces personnel dealt with the latter with extraordinary professionalism. For this, they deserve our congratulations.
47 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the deployment of members of the Defence Forces to assist fire crews dealing with gorse fires in parts of counties Donegal, Galway and Mayo at the start of May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12051/11]
48 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel involved in fighting the bush fires across the country; the cost to the Exchequer of same; and his plans to recoup the costs from Coillte. [12070/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
Following a request from the local authorities early on Sunday, 1 May, the Defence Forces deployed Army and Air Corps assets to assist fire-fighting efforts in counties Donegal and Mayo. This deployment involved the use of troops, aircraft and specialist fire-fighting equipment. From early on Sunday morning, an Air Corps helicopter, with a fire safety qualified Army engineer on board, was in operation over, Donegal and north-west Mayo providing advice and information to the fire-fighting effort on the ground, based on an assessment of the fires from the air. Two further helicopters, both fitted with specialist under-slung bambi buckets, were subsequently deployed to drop water on fires in the Dungloe area of County Donegal. These buckets have a capacity of 1,200 litres each.
On the morning of Sunday, 1 May, 100 troops were recalled to barracks and placed on stand-by at Finner and Galway. Deployment of these troops was at the discretion of the local chief fire officer in each county. As matters transpired, some 25 troops were deployed to fight fires in Mayo and Donegal. These troops remained there for as long as it was safe to do so — until approximately 9 p.m. that night. A decision was taken at that stage by the chief fire officer in Mayo to stand down the troops deployed in that county as the fires came under control. On the next day, Bank Holiday Monday, the three helicopters, two with bambi buckets and one operating in a surveillance role, continued to operate in County Donegal. In total, over 100,000 litres of water were dropped on affected areas that day whilst 85 troops were deployed on the ground — 50 from 5.30 a.m. Troops remained there until approximately 9 p.m. that night.
Defence Forces fire fighting assistance continued in County Donegal the next day where 42 troops were deployed from very early that morning, 3 May. A further 40 troops were on stand-by to replace these troops. The three helicopters were also in operation on that day. All fires were deemed by the local authority to be under control that evening. A number of troops remained on stand-by on 4 May and the Defence Forces involvement was formally wound down that afternoon.
Over the course of the four days, a total of 500,400 litres of water were dropped by Air Corps helicopters. In addition, the Defence Forces committed a total of 264 Army and Air Corps personnel of which 179 personnel were deployed with the remaining 85 being committed in support of the operation.
As the Defence Forces were deployed in an aid-to-the-civil-authority role, following requests from the respective local authority fire officers, the question of whether any individual landowners should be charged is a matter for the local authorities. The direct or additional costs arising from this deployment by the Defence Forces are estimated to be just over €100,000. The largest proportion of this arises from the direct costs associated with some 98 hours of flying time that were accumulated over the four days.
When local authorities implement emergency plans, they normally carry out a review afterwards to examine how well they worked. The Defence Forces will feed into such a review in this case. Will the Defence Forces carry out an internal review on its response in this instance? Will it ascertain whether suitable resources were available or identify improvements that could be made? Were any Defence Forces personnel injured in these incidents?
To the best of my knowledge, no member of the Defence Forces was injured in the incidents in question. After every operation of every description, the Defence Forces assesses how it went. I was in immediate contact with the Department to ensure that as soon as a local authority sought help in fighting gorse fires that it would be available. The Defence Forces had personnel on stand-by and within ten minutes of a request being formally made by a local authority, the Defence Forces were in a position to commence providing assistance.
Like the work done for last week's State visit, the Defence Forces deserve our congratulations for the work they did in aid of the local authorities. The gorse fires were a difficult few days for the local authorities and the civil fire-fighters on the ground. There was a great deal of concern about surrounding these fires and the possible dangers they posed. The Defence Forces, again, conducted themselves very well. I have heard no valid criticism of any nature of the action they took. The Chief of Staff and other members of the Defence Forces who organised the response to assist local authorities deserve the congratulations of the House.
I too acknowledge the role played by the Defence Forces, particularly in my county, in dealing with the serious problem of gorse fires. However, the costs of the operations to the Defence Forces came to €100,000. It will be a far greater cost to local authorities. I pay tribute to the fire services in the counties affected who gave up weeks to fight the fires.
Our timber industry is lucrative. Given that there is a suspicion that some of these fires were started deliberately, has the Minister had any discussions with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, on recouping some of these costs and to send out the signal that we will not stand for such actions?
The Defence Forces came in aid of the local authorities. It is a matter for them if they decide to charge the local authorities for the services provided. Much of the costings I gave earlier would derive from use of the helicopters. It is estimated by Coillte, that of the 9,000 properties owned by it in the State which range in size from one hectare to 200,000 hectares, an average of 200,000 hectares are lost to fire each year. In the context of climatic conditions and that these fires occurred during what had been an unusually dry season, I am not sure what steps, if any, can be taken to prevent outbreaks of fires. In so far as there is a possibility that anyone can be identified as having started these fires, that is a matter for An Garda Síochána. It is hoped such events will not be repeated. I am sure the Army and the Air Corps will learn lessons, if there are any, from these events. It is a matter for Coillte, which does not fall within my Departments' responsibility, to take what fire preventive steps it deems appropriate. It has, however, been discovered internationally that in certain climatic conditions, such fires occur.
Is it correct that 200,000 hectares of Coillte properties are affected by fires every year?
I am told, on average, 200,000 hectares are lost to fire each year. It seems a large amount but that is the information with which I have been supplied. If that information is incorrect, I will communicate with the Deputy.
The Minister should bring that information to the attention of the relevant Minister.
49 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Defence his priorities, including legislative priorities for 2011 to 2012. [12072/11]
My priority is firmly focused on maintaining the operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces, to the greatest extent possible, within a reduced resource envelope. In this context, and in line with the programme for Government, the Department is actively engaged in the comprehensive review of expenditure, which was recently initiated by Government. This review of expenditure will assist the Government in consolidating the public finances by identifying options for expenditure savings. The outcome of the review will inform the priorities to be followed.
As regards legislative priorities, in the past few days I have received the Government's approval to the priority drafting by the Parliamentary Counsel of a Defence (Amendment) Bill 2011. I will allow for it to be published and, I hope with the co-operation of the House, enacted before the summer recess. This Bill proposes to amend several existing provisions of the Defence Acts 1954 to 2007 regrading the military justice system as it affects the Military Judge and the Director of Military Prosecutions. It will provide for the expansion of the eligibility criteria and selection for the posts of Military Judge and Director of Military Prosecutions in the Permanent Defence Force. It will also provide for an alternative judge to perform all and or any of the functions of a military judge where the Military Judge is unavailable for any reason and other related matters. The legislation will deal with the various lacunae in this aspect of the military justice system.
In addition, the Department is developing proposals for the preparation of a separate Bill dealing with amendments to the Defence Acts concerning military discipline. While the Department has been engaged in consultations with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, it is not possible at this stage to confirm whether the Bill will be ready for publication this year.
Does the Minister anticipate a need for legislative changes arising from extra demands that may be placed on the Defence Forces in the context of commitments to the EU or UN?
I do not anticipate a need for legislation in that context.
50 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the cost borne by him and by the Irish Defence Forces in preparations for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12050/11]
Based on the latest estimates available, the cost of the Defence Forces involvement in the visit of Queen Elizabeth II is likely to amount to approximately €1.1 million. I also indicated earlier the estimated cost incurred in regard to the visit by President Obama.
The Minister stated earlier that it is unlikely there will be a need for a Supplementary Estimate. If that is the case, from where in the Defence budget is it proposed to take the €1.1 million?
There is always some element within the Defence budget to anticipate visits of foreign dignitaries. While I do not currently anticipate a need for a Supplementary Estimate in the context of Queen's visit, the matter has to be reviewed by my Department. In the context of my involvement in planning for the visit, it was understood, based on the estimate provided to the Department, that it was unlikely there would be a need for a Supplementary Estimate.
The Department of Defence operates with substantial financial efficiency and remains carefully within its Estimate. The Department continually reviews where it stands financially in terms of living within the financial envelope made available to it for 2011. I can say no more than that at this time I do not anticipate there will be a need for a Supplementary Estimate. I do not anticipate that the engagement of the Defence Forces and the cost of the visit will be in any way inimical to or prevent the Defence Forces from meeting of its objectives during the course of this year. Should there be a change, I will bring the matter to the attention of the House.
51 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Defence the discussions he has had with other Government Departments on the development of a national action plan for UN Security Council Resolution 1325; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12054/11]
United Nations Security Council Resolution, UNSCR 1325, on women, peace and security, was adopted in October 2000 and emphasises the distinct position of women in conflicts and in peace building. In the lead up to the 10th anniversary of this UN resolution in 2010, many countries, including Ireland, undertook to develop a national action plan on the implementation of UNSCR 1325. The Department of Foreign Affairs has the lead role in the development of Ireland's national action plan on implementation of UNSCR 1325.
In developing the national action plan, a wide-ranging consultation process took place involving the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Justice and Equality, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and representatives of civil society and academia. Participation in this forum afforded representatives from the Department and the Defence Forces an opportunity to discuss with officials from other Departments and representatives from civil society and academia, issues pertaining to the development of the national action plan, in particular in so far as they related to the Defence Forces.
The discussions focused primarily on facilitation and completion of a comprehensive audit of Government activity in the areas covered by UNSCR 1325, the identification of international best practice in this area and implementation of an effective post implementation monitoring and evaluation framework. The final phase of consultation ended on 18 February 2011 with the production of a draft national action plan. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs are currently collating observations received from other Departments on the draft national action plan. When this process is completed and all parties concerned are in agreement, the intention is to submit the final version of the national action plan to implement UNSCR 1325 to Government for approval.
As stated by my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, a monitoring group will be established to oversee progress on the implementation of Ireland's national action plan. The chair of the group will be independent. Once the Oireachtas committees have been established, there will be an opportunity for Members to participate in evaluation of the plan. I expect that evaluation will fall to be dealt with by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and Defence, which is to be established shortly.
Does the Minister know when the draft plan will be presented?
I expect it will be presented relatively shortly. I do not want to give a specific date because issues arising from observations received must first be addressed.
Does the Minister expect it will be presented before the end of this year?
I certainly expect it to be presented before the end of this year.
52 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the projected costs of using the Government jet for 2011. [10395/11]
I thought Deputy Higgins would be flying in for this question.
He is in a flutter.
The Icelandic ash cloud has inhibited the Deputy's arrival in the Chamber.
We would hardly be that lucky.
Perhaps he is about to take off and will be in the House before I conclude my reply.
The ministerial air transport service is primarily provided by Gulfstream IV and Learjet 45 aircraft, which were specifically acquired for that purpose. The Learjet has the capacity to carry seven passengers and is tasked with short and medium haul missions to the UK and Europe. The Gulfstream IV, has the capacity to carry 14 passengers and can be tasked with long haul missions to destinations such as the United States, Africa and the Middle East, as well as to European destinations. It is the only aircraft flown by the Air Corps which has a long haul capability.
The Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under two headings: the direct cost, which includes costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown, including maintenance, fuel, support services such as catering costs, cleaning services and airport handling charges and, the total cost which is the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft and includes depreciation and personnel costs, which are incurred in any case in maintaining personnel.
The average hourly costs associated with Air Corps aircraft used in the provision of the ministerial air transport service have recently been reviewed by my Department and revised costs are now available. The average direct cost per hour for the Gulfstream is €3,270 and for the Learjet, €1,940. The average total cost per hour for the Gulfstream is €3,790 and for the Learjet is €4,200. There has been a substantial decrease in average hourly costs for the Gulfstream as the depreciation cost is no longer included in the cost of calculation owing to the life of the aircraft. The aircraft is now 20 years old and it is no longer appropriate that depreciation is factored into the overall costs.
The Gulfstream and Learjet have completed 28 and 27 flying hours respectively during the first quarter of 2011. As details of the hours that will be flown by each aircraft for the remainder of the year are as yet unknown, it is not possible at this stage to project the full cost of using the Government jets during 2011.
I am disappointed that Deputy Higgins never landed. No doubt he may prove to be a late arrival.
That is Deputy Durkan's gain.
It is, which is the reason Deputy Durkan is smiling.
53 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which military training and equipment is kept in pace with modern and international standards having particular regard to the need for compatibility during overseas missions for the EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12074/11]
I am advised that the military training techniques are up to date in all respects. Defence Forces training plans are structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them by Government. The challenges of preparing military units for participation in international peace support operations constitute the major dimension of Defence Forces collective training. The primary focus of this training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards. Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice and Defence Forces personnel have full access to the best international training standards available.
Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment, including logistical equipment, to carry out their day-to-day roles at home and overseas. The priority in the coming years will be on maintaining the capability of the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government.
Can the Minister confirm the degree to which the military equipment of our Defence Forces can interface with that used by other defence forces in the course of EU and UN operations? Given the necessity to ensure the safety of our Defence Forces while serving abroad we must make the maximum effort to obtain modern technology in equipping our forces.
Interoperability between our Defence Forces and others with whom we engage in peacekeeping operations is of considerable importance in our UN operations and in the role we play in the European Union as part of a battle group and in dealing with issues relating to Partnership for Peace. That is a significant focus within the Defence Forces in the purchase of equipment and it will continue to be so. When we are engaged in peacekeeping missions with other partners there must be the fullest available co-ordination between our Defence Forces and others with whom we work, in peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions.
I commend our forces for the excellent work they do abroad. However, recently there may have been a move within the European Union and the United Nations away from peacekeeping and humanitarian missions towards more aggressive policies, about which I have major concerns. Is there a change in direction?
I am unaware of the UN or our Defence Forces engaging in aggressive missions of any description. The primary focus is peacekeeping, peace enforcement, humanitarian intervention and conflict prevention. These are the central focus of our approach in the international context.
As the Deputy will know, we will shortly deploy 440 of our troops to southern Lebanon as part of a UNIFIL mission, which is a tradition within our Defence Forces, to contribute to peacekeeping in that area. We will go there on foot of a long-standing UN mission, in which we have previously participated, with a view to ensuring that conflict does not break out in those areas and that peace is maintained in the interests of the local population.
54 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the barracks in Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12093/11]
Various commissions, reports and studies back to the 1990s identified barrack closure as a fundamental requirement towards improving military effectiveness and efficiency. The dispersal of Defence Forces personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to essential collective training and the consolidation process is designed to facilitate higher training standards, while freeing up under-utilised resources and personnel for operational duties. In addition, the funding realised from the disposal of surplus barracks and properties provides some of the resources required for infrastructure, training-area development and equipment procurement.
The Defence property portfolio is kept under review to ensure the most effective use of military resources having regard to the roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. In that context the dispersal of personnel over an extended number of locations is a major impediment to effectiveness and also imposes increased and unnecessary overheads on the Defence Forces in terms of barrack management, administration, maintenance and security.
The consolidation of the Defence Forces formations into a smaller number of locations is a key objective for me as we strive to maximise the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
While no decision has been made on the future of any military installation I cannot give a commitment that there will not be further programmes of barrack consolidation.
I invite the Minister to visit Columb Barracks in Mullingar to see at first hand the important work done there. The barracks is vitally important in the region and to the country. It is used for training overseas contingents and was used prior to the current mission to the Lebanon.
I am disappointed that the Minister cannot give a commitment with regard to the future of the barracks and to learn that one of his key objectives is further rationalisation of barracks throughout the country. Mullingar barracks is of vital importance to our region, employing more than 200 personnel and 20 highly skilled staff. The income it generates in the region amounts to €20 million.
The people of Mullingar will fight tooth and nail against any attempt to downgrade or close the Mullingar barracks. I could quote the Minister's colleague at Cabinet, Deputy Willie Penrose, who made a stinging attack during the last administration when closure of the barracks was contemplated, but it was not closed. We will fight and the people of Mullingar will not allow any closure of Columb Barracks in Mullingar.
Well done.
I am sure it will not come as a shock or surprise to the Deputy to discover that my two immediate predecessors in the Department of Defence, who represented Fianna Fáil in government, made similar statements to mine in reply to Dáil questions, which is that in the context of the ongoing review and workings of the Defence Forces no absolute commitment can be given of any nature or that change, at some stage, will not occur.
Deputy Penrose was not sitting at the Cabinet table then.
I take with a grain of salt Deputy Troy's stated outrage at the suggestion that——
It was Deputy Penrose who was outraged. Does the Minister take his Cabinet colleague's outrage with a grain of salt?
The Minister specialises in outrage himself.
Deputy Dooley is very welcome back. I did not notice him in the Chamber five minutes ago. He is very welcome to join us.
Tá mé ar ais anois.
More cuts.
I do not believe, as Deputy Troy suggests, that the people of Mullingar will take up arms against the Government or against the Defence Forces——
Deputy Penrose might.
——because the people of Mullingar fully respect our Defence Forces.
We have no issue with the Defence Forces.
I agree with Deputy Troy that the Defence Forces in Mullingar and in every barracks throughout the country have played an outstanding role over many years. The general public saw how outstanding they are during the events of the past week, when they played a ceremonial and very important security role. They have played an outstanding role in peacekeeping and will continue to do so in the deployment that will shortly take place to the Lebanon.
I do not require a lecture from the Deputy with regard to the role played by the Defence Forces or to Defence Forces personnel in any barracks.
Deputy Penrose might need an explanation.
I will not play political games with the Defence Forces or encourage any Deputy to seek some sort of political notoriety in his constituency——
Hear who is talking.
——by making a declaration of war on behalf of his constituents.
The Minister's party won the general election on the basis of that carry-on. How times change.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
