Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Force Regulations.

Proinsias De Rossa

Ceist:

87 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence the guidelines, if any, issued to senior personnel in the Defence Forces regarding the appropriateness of public comment on matters of political controversy, particularly when these are before, or due to come before, the Oireachtas. [20443/99]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The following arrangements apply in the Defence Forces regarding comments on political matters; Defence Force regulations prescribe that "The granting of interviews or the divulging of information by any officer or man of the Permanent Defence Force to members of the public on matters pertaining to the service or to the conduct thereof is forbidden.

Comment, if any, in publications, lectures, broadcasts or talks, touching on questions of a political nature – whether national or international – shall avoid strictly any reference which might be construed as being of a controversial nature."

There are no formal guidelines which apply specifically to senior officers. However, a tradition of strict political neutrality has governed senior public service managers since the foundation of the State and senior military officers have always been governed by that tradition.

In recent years, there has been a growing public interest in defence and security issues. As a consequence, a more wide ranging public debate has ensued. Given these changed circumstances, guidelines may now be appropriate. While I fundamentally disagree with the Deputy's view of Partnership for Peace, I share his underlying concern that members of the Defence Forces should not make any comment whatsoever on matters of a political nature or on matters which are for decision by Government or which will come before either House of the Oireachtas for dis cussion or decision. The reason for this is simple. We live in a democracy and politicians are answerable to the people.

I am arranging to have the current regulations reviewed so as to ensure they meet present day requirements and that every member of the Defence Forces is fully familiar with, understands and adheres to their content.