Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
477. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Defence the reason on 3 September at Cathal Brugha Barracks before the first troops departed for Syria, he left the stand after the Ministerial inspection while the march past was taking place leaving troops to salute an empty stand, which caused hurt to some of the troops and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16680/14]
View answerOn 03 September 2013, in Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin, I had the honour of reviewing personnel of the 43rd Infantry Group, who deployed to Syria later that month for service with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). There is a Defence Forces Ceremonial Order setting out the protocol associated with these reviews beginning with the marching on of the National Colour, where the Minister remains at the saluting Point. When that is completed the Minister is then invited to review the parade, following which he is escorted back to the saluting Point. The minister then addresses the assembly following which he is escorted to the waiting area while the parade prepares for the March Past. When the parade is ready for the March Past and the families and VIPs have been ushered to their viewing position, the Minister is then invited to take his position on the reviewing stand. On the afternoon in question, on my arrival on the parade ground, I was escorted to the Saluting Point by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces where we remained in position for the marching on of the National Colour. When the National Colour was in position, I was invited by the Officer Commanding, 43rd Infantry Group to review the Defence Forces personnel on parade. Following a review of the parade, I then addressed the assembly. When I completed my address, the Chief of Staff escorted me to the waiting area while the parade prepared for the March Past. When the parade was ready for the March Past and the families and VIPs had been ushered to their viewing position, I was invited to take my position on the reviewing stand where I remained until all personnel of the 43rd Infantry Group had marched past and the parade was dismissed. Later, I attended a reception in the Dining Hall at the barracks where I met members of the 43rd Infantry Group and their families.
