asked the Minister for Defence whether he is aware that in connection with the '98 commemoration celebrations at Gibbet Rath, the Curragh, County Kildare, on the 10th October last the committee have been furnished with an account amounting to £16 3s. 0d. from the Department for Defence for the conveyance of members of the F.C.A. who took part in these celebrations and, if so, whether he is prepared, in view of the nation-wide nature of these celebrations, to have the expenses of the transport of these troops borne by his Department.

I am aware that, as stated by the Deputy, in connection with the '98 commemoration celebrations at Gibbet Rath in October last, the commemoration committee have been furnished by my Department with an account for £16 3s. 0d. for the conveyance of members of the F.C.A. who took part in the celebrations. Representations have also been made to me by the other Deputies representing Kildare to withdraw this account or to have it considerably reduced. The matter is under investigation and an early reply will be sent to the Deputy and others concerned.