asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been directed to an article in an English Sunday newspaper of the 9th March, 1952, wherein certain references were made to the Second Line Reserve, including a statement that the authorities were considering disbanding An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and ascribing selfish and pecuniary motives to the members of this voluntary section of our defence army; and, if so, if he will state whether an immediate denial of these allegations will be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - English Sunday Newspaper Article.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
In regard to the second part, it is not the intention to disband An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil. Apart from the fact that uniforms are, in certain instances, being worn illegally, there is no foundation for the other allegations.
Would the Minister not consider that a denial of these allegations should have been made long before now, and that slanderous attacks on this Volunteer force should not be permitted to pass for the last two weeks without a public denial of these allegations?
Does the Deputy expect me to run after every hare that is started by those who write these articles?
I would expect that a denial of them should have been published.
Is the Minister aware that there were complaints made following the withdrawal of training officers of the force? The training of N.C.O.s has now been withdrawn and does the Minister not consider that action of that kind is not only disruptive of the force itself but gives colour to the allegations that are being made?
That is a separate question.