asked the Minister for Defence the total number of occasions on which he and his predecessors convened the Council of Defence during 1960-70; and the number of occasions on which the Council met during the past two years.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Council of Defence.
31.
The Council of Defence was convened twice during the period 1960-1970. It met on one occasion during the past two years.
Has the Minister any intention of holding such meetings on a regular basis in the future?
A meeting will be convened if the Minister so decides.
I asked the Minister if he has any intention of doing so. I am not interested in what he might "so decide". Does he intend to do so or not?
If the situation so warrants, a meeting will be convened.
Is the Minister aware that many of the people on the Council of Defence are now not on talking terms since the abortive attempt to import arms——
That does not arise. The question relates to the number of meetings.
——and since the prosecution of Captain Kelly?
It does not arise on the question.
Is that not one of the reasons why he cannot call them together at present?
The question relates to the total number of occasions on which meetings were held.
(Cavan): If not, why not?