asked the Taoiseach whether the Defence Council is still in existence and, if so, if he will state the names of its members and whether he proposes to add to their numbers and if he will further state the date of the council's last meeting and the date of its next meeting.

It is presumed that the Deputy is referring to the Defence Conference and not to the Council of Defence, which is a statutory body set up to assist the Minister for Defence in the administration of the business of his Department.

The Defence Conference, which consisted of representatives of the different Parties in the Dáil, was set up during the emergency to consult and advise on matters of national defence. The dissolution of the conference took place in May, 1945, following agreement between the then Taoiseach and the various Parties in the Dáil.

With regard to Question No. 2, on a point of order, I object to Question No. 2 being put and I object to its being answered.

The question has been allowed by the Chair.

I am objecting.

You cannot object to the Chair allowing a question.

I think it is bringing the Army into Party politics.

You should talk.

Good old Cumann na nGaedheal.

Order!