asked the Minister for Defence if he will state specifically what duties are to be assigned to the Red Cross Society in the event of an emergency.

The Irish Red Cross Society has been requested to intensify recruitment and training so that its members may be able to render assistance to the Defence Forces as auxiliaries of the Army Medical Corps in the event of an emergency, should the need arise, and also to render assistance in connection with civil defence.

Does the Minister think that the Irish Red Cross Society can have any enthusiasm for its work when the Government cut the grant from £10,000 to £1,000?

I do not know.

Answer the question.

Can the Minister not say whether any specific duties have yet been assigned, and are the red cross duties to be confined to medical duties or has any clear assignment been given to them?

Why should we advertise what we are doing for anybody at all outside this country?

The fact is they are doing nothing.

We will call your bluff.

Can the Minister tell us when this threatened war is going to start?

When your friends decide.

The Labour Party seem to be very anxious that no preparations will be made.

Such a lot of bluff I never heard in all my life.