asked the Minister for Defence if the Russian Army is sending an instructor to train the Irish Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Russian Gymnastic Coach.
33.
The answer to the question is "No". The Deputy may, however, be referring to a Russian gymnastic coach who may be visiting this country in the near future at the request of the Irish Amateur Gymnastic Association. The association has asked the Army authorities whether they would be interested in the attendance of Army personnel at a week's course under the direction of the coach during the period of his visit. The Army Athletic Association has replied to the gymnastic association indicating that it would be interested in availing of such a course for Army gymnasts.
Is the Russian coach who is coming over a member of the Russian Army?
I do not know and I am not even interested. If he is good, we want him. As far as I am concerned in the Irish Army we will be very clear in regard to everything. We will take everything we can get from anywhere.
Surely the Minister would agree that if a coach from Russia or anywhere else is to coach the Irish Army the Minister, as a matter of courtesy, should know about it? Apparently, he is not interested from what he has just stated.
The Deputy is engaging in an argument.
No. The situation is that the Russian is arriving and the Irish Amateur Gymnastic Association have been good enough to make this person available to the Irish Army during a period. I am not interested whether it is a day or a week. I want the best for the Army. If Russian gymnasts are good why not have them?
The Minister stated he is not very concerned about whether or not this person is a member of the Russian Army. We want to know positively if this person is a member of the Russian Army. If he was a member of the Russian Army would the Minister regard him as a security risk to any degree? Could the Minister find out if he is a member of the Russian Army?
As far as security risk is concerned, that is my responsibility and I will look after it. The Deputy need not worry about this because I will look after it well. I do not see any reason why a person from Russia, if he happens to be a good gymnast, cannot give something to the Irish Army on gymnastics.
Question No. 34.
Does the Minister apply that to other sections of the Irish Army in relation to instructions, that if there are people from Russia with superior knowledge he will gladly accept them?
The Deputy is expanding on the subject matter of this question. Question No. 34.
Surely this man may or may not be a security risk. Has the Minister examined this particular aspect?
That is not the subject matter of this question. Question No. 34.
I have not examined it personally. I think it is completely facetious to create this situation in the House. A person who is a good gymnast is coming to the Irish Amateur Gymnastic Association and then the Irish Army have the chance of getting him for a few days. Now Deputy Dowling stands up and makes this a security risk.
I am merely asking the Minister if he regards this man as a security risk.
That is a separate question.
It is an important question.
Put it down, Deputy. Next question.
We should get the best for the Irish Army. The Minister tried to play this down.
This is Question Time, Deputy.
Why did you not stop the Minister when he gave an evasive reply?
I am calling the next question. Question No. 34.