asked the Minister for Defence if complaint has been made by residents of the Lurig district, adjoining the Curragh, that their lives are endangered by the fact that ball cartridges are used by the troops in field firing; if it is true, as asserted, that bullets have penetrated the roofs of houses in the locality; and if he will cause inquiry to be made into the matter.

Complaint of the kind in question was made, but not since early in December last. It is a fact that bullets penetrated the roofs of some houses. As stated in my reply to a somewhat similar question by Deputy Wolfe on the 15th December, the matter was inquired into and steps were taken to avoid any cause for complaint in future.

Does the Minister think it right to allow troops to use bullets so near people's residences?

Is the Minister aware that the injury to the houses was pointed out to military officers sent down to inquire into the matter?

I am not denying that it happened, but steps have been taken to see that it will not occur again.