Vol. 194 No. 3
asked the Minister for Defence if he has seen a report of 15th March, 1962, that three soldiers collapsed at Dublin Airport who had been standing to attention in the bitter cold for thirty-five minutes awaiting the arrival of the President on his way to Rome; if this report is correct; if other soldiers had to receive treatment on the same occasion; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
50.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the events which led to the collapse of two soldiers on guard of honour duty at Dublin Airport on 15th March, stating the hours during which these soldiers were on duty (a) at the airport, (b) immediately prior to leaving for the airport, and (c) during the previous seventy-two hours, the weather conditions at the airport at the time, the nature of the medical attention given to these soldiers at the airport, the action taken on the matter by the superiors of these soldiers and any information relating to the matter which he may think to be in the public interest.
With the permission of an Ceann Comhairle I propose to deal with Questions 49 and 50 together
Three members of Na Buan Óglaigh became weak while on guard of honour duty at Dublin Airport on 15 Márta, 1962.
They were on duty at the Airport from 9.55 a.m. to 11.20 a.m. having been assembled at Cathal Brugha Barracks at 8.45 a.m. During the previous 72 hours, they had been on normal routine duties (9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. each day).
The weather at the airport on the occasion was very cold, with sleet for part of the time.
When the soldiers became weak, they were taken to the medical centre at the airport, where they were given tea. They revived almost immediately, travelled back to barracks with the remainder of the guard and in common with the remainder were given time off. No other soldiers had to receive treatment on the occasion.
The guard of honour was in position at 10.15 a.m. but was not standing to attention for longer than five minutes on end.
Could the Minister say whether he will have a bigger guard for him now on his way back from Rome?
