asked the Minister for Defence if he has made arrangements for a number of Fianna Fáil Deputies, called the Defence Committee of Fianna Fáil, to visit certain Army establishments; and, if so, if he will make similar arrangements to facilitate interested members of the Opposition.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Visits to Army Establishments.
133.
I arranged for a party of Fianna Fáil Deputies and Senators to visit two Army posts. Only one post has been visited to date. I am prepared to consider making similar arrangements to facilitate any interested Members of the Oireachtas.
Is this anywhere near the border?
What are the names of the Deputies who visited these camps?
Is it near the war zone?
Deputies Dowling, Power and Nolan.
I think it is a good thing.
It is interesting to hear the facetious remarks from the Labour Party benches in regard to the Irish Army.
I asked if it was near the war zone.
The Fianna Fáil Rangers.
The Three Musketeers.
Those facetious remarks from the Labour Party benches demonstrate the interest the Labour Party Deputies have in the Irish Army and in our serving soldiers. The Fianna Fáil Deputies demonstrated their interest.
Why did they not join up, then?
These gibing remarks by the Labour Party Deputies reveal a very interesting outlook on their part.
What exactly is the Defence Committee of Fianna Fáil?
The heavy-handed humour of the new Deputy from the Royal Borough of Kingstown, as it was once called, about the Fianna Fáil Party comes very badly, even from the Labour Party benches.
We are not sitting on the fence.
Fianna Fáil are concerned about the Irish Army. That is why they have a Defence Committee. I am glad the Fine Gael Deputies think it is a good idea.
(Interruptions.)
Will Deputies please stop interrupting? Question No. 134.
I merely wanted to know if it was anywhere near the war zone.
RTE is the training ground for the hamming of the intellectual Labour Party wing.
Bíonn an fhírinne searbh.
Cúpla mí ó shin, dúirt tú nach labhrófá as Gaeilge. Tá an Teachta ag foghlaim.
Bíonn an fhírinne searbh.
Bladar.
An féidir linn dul ar aghaidh lena ceisteanna? Would Deputies cease interrupting and allow the Minister to answer the questions? Question Time finishes at 5 o'clock. The Minister might be able to answer some other Deputys' questions. Other Deputies are waiting for replies also.