asked the Minister for Defence if it is his intention to change the system of selection of personnel for army cadetships; and if he will state the composition of the interview boards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Cadetships.
2.
There are no proposals to change the system of selection of Army cadets. The boards which interview candidates for Army cadetships are composed of officers of the Permanent Defence Force.
Would the Minister not consider that at this stage it is necessary to broaden the base of the board for the interviewing of cadets? Because of the technical nature of the Army of tomorrow and the technical advances within the service, does he not consider some type of independent assessment is necessary and desirable and that outside engineers and other people should be consulted who would be qualified to assess individuals on an independent basis in conjunction with the military assessment?
I do not think so. Perhaps we have the most superior and the most highly technically qualified people in the country in the Defence Forces. I have every confidence in their qualifications, in their ability and, above all, in their very high standard of integrity. For that reason I do not propose to make any change.
In so far as ministerial interference is a big factor in the selection of cadets, would the Minister examine the situation and ensure that people are selected on the basis of ability rather than on the basis of political motivation by Ministers?
I can assure the Deputy that his insinuation is most unbecoming. Not alone is it untrue but I look upon it as a slur on the competence and integrity of the members of the Defence Forces. It is most regrettable that Deputy Dowling should make such a serious allegation and charge which, if it came from a responsible Deputy, could reflect very seriously on the integrity and the high standard of Army officers. I can assure him that I have every confidence in their technical qualifications and in the manner in which they are so particular and exact in their recommendations.
In view of the fact that the previous Minister for Defence took upon himself the absolute right to promote senior officers without reference to the Chief of Staff and in so far as the Minister for Defence now has this absolute right, an amount of dictation is percolating to the senior officers from Ministers for Defence in the Coalition in relation to personnel not only on the basis of promotion but also in the selection of individuals for cadetships. Is the Minister aware that a very serious situation has developed where the flow of young officers into the Army and the appointment of senior Army officers are regulated by ministerial interference?
The Deputy knows that is not so. The allegation he is making reflects no credit on himself and the regard in which he is supposed to hold the Army. There are no proposals to change the system. There is no demand for any change in the system except from the Deputy and, for those reasons, I do not propose to take any steps in that direction.
Question No. 3.
A final supplementary.
A brief final question.
Since the Minister is far out of touch with the realities of the Defence Forces when he indicates that what I said is incorrect, would he examine the situation in relation to the ministerial interference which has taken place not alone in the promotion of senior Army officers but also in the selection of personnel for the military college? In other areas of the Defence Forces, ministerial interference is rampant and the pals are being packed into various posts and positions of authority. If the Minister thinks that is not happening at the moment, I can assure him that it is.
Next question.
If the Deputy has any information with regard to this matter perhaps he would supply it to me. I can assure him I will have it examined.
Will the Minister have a debate in the House on the matter?
The Deputy would not come out of it too well.
I am calling Question No. 3.
Is the Minister prepared to discuss this matter in the House or outside it?
If the Deputy has any allegations to make and if he puts them in writing to me I can assure him they will be fully examined. I challenge the Deputy to put them in writing.