asked the Taoiseach if he will set up a Parliamentary commission of inquiry into the circumstances relating to the raid on the Magazine Fort.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Raid on Magazine Fort.
It is not proposed to set up a Parliamentary commission of inquiry as suggested by the Deputy.
Arising out of the Taoiseach's reply, does he not consider that, as a very grave condition of affairs appears to exist, the Parliament should be informed of the causes that have led up to it, and that the only manner in which information on that can be got is at a Parliamentary inquiry.
Whatever information it will be possible, consistent with the public interest, to give can be given by the Minister when the main Estimate comes before the House.
Why cannot the opportunity be taken to give that information on the Supplementary Estimate?
Because, as the Deputy knows, the Court of Inquiry has presented its report. It has been considered by the Government, and arising out of its findings certain disciplinary action has been decided upon, including perhaps courtmartial. As long as the position is like that, I do not think it would be right that there should be a discussion here at this time.
Are we to understand that punitive disciplinary action is likely to be taken against certain members of the Army without any opportunity being given to Parliament to assess whether punitive measures should not be taken against the Ministerial side of the responsibility.
Ministers are always at the disposal of Parliament.
Does the Taoiseach not consider that Parliament should be made aware of the circumstances in which the administration of the Fort was such that one officer only was on duty. That surely, in itself, shows that the Ministerial administration was at fault—to have only one officer on duty for the 24 hours. I submit that the Department of Defence and the Department of Finance are involved in this.
I think the Deputy ought not to talk away from the facts. The position is that every Deputy in the House will have an opportunity of dealing with any Ministerial responsibility when the main Estimate comes before the Dáil.
When will that be?
I suppose at the usual time. I cannot say exactly.
Will the Taoiseach say why the opportunity afforded by the Supplementary Estimate should not be taken to do that?
Because, as I have already told the Deputy and the House very definitely, arising out of the findings of the court, disciplinary action is contemplated, including a courtmartial.
In view of the fact that I consider the Taoiseach's reply unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that I will raise the question on the motion for the Adjournment.
All that I can say to the Deputy is that, in the nature of things, he cannot get any more information from me than I have given him.
Without going into the question of the punitive action taken or courtsmartial or anything of that kind, I do not see why a Parliamentary inquiry should not be set up to consider the merits of this. Therefore, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I shall consider the matter and inform the Deputy in due time.