asked the Minister for Defence whether his attention has been drawn to a Press report wherein he is quoted as stating that officers of the armed forces of this State are or recently were engaged on a tour of inspection of British military posts situated in the occupied portion of our country; and, if so, whether he will state (a) what was the number and rank of the officers so engaged; (b) at whose request or invitation this tour of inspection was carried out; (c) whether he considers it in the national interest that such fraternisation with the forces occupying portion of our territory against our will should be permitted to members of the Irish Army.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Inspection in Northern Ireland
I have read the report referred to. Two officers, whose ranks are commandant and captain, attended a training exercise in Northern Ireland recently. The invitation was received from the British military authorities. As I stated in this House on Friday last, I consider that it is in the best interests of the nation and the world as a whole to have, as far as humanly possible, the friendliest feelings between officers and men of different armies.
Am I to take it from the Minister's reply that he considers it consistent with national dignity that officers of the Irish Army should fraternise with and attend courses run by the British army of occupation in the Six Counties?
Members of the Irish Army do not attend courses run by the British army of occupation in the Six Counties. In this instance they were present as military observers at a military training exercise. That kind of mixing or courtesy between armies is perfectly normal, and I think it would be a mistake to call it off.
Does the Minister consider that such an exchange of courtesies with the army of the power occupying six of our counties is consistent with national dignity?
I think it is not inconsistent with national dignity, and I think that if we could cultivate a friendlier spirit with the people, whether military or civilian, in the Six Counties we would be advancing in the direction of ending Partition.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I ask the permission of the House to raise this matter on the adjournment.