asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists among the officers and men of the L.D.F. by reason of the fact that the Army is disposing of equipment required by the L.D.F., which is considered by them to be essential to their efficiency; and, if so, if he will cause this matter to be investigated and rectified.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of L.D.F. Equipment.
I am not aware that any dissatisfaction exists as stated by the Deputy, nor am I aware that equipment required by the L.D.F. is being disposed of by the Army authorities.
Will the Minister say whether he will have consultations with the L.D.F. authorities to see what is troubling them in this matter?
Does the Deputy mean in respect to this last question?
Yes.
It is not necessary. The statement is made here that the Army is disposing of equipment. The Army is not disposing of the equipment required by the L.D.F.
The fact is that a number of the officers and men in the L.D.F. are disturbed by the fact that the Army is disposing of certain equipment which they are short of, and which they consider they will require if the force is to be continued. In view of the fact that this suggestion is made to the Minister, will he make inquiries from the authorities of the L.D.F. to see if there is anything in that?
I can oblige the Deputy by making inquiries, but I am assuring him that there is no equipment being sold by the Army authorities which would be of use to the L.D.F.