asked the Minister for Defence whether he will arrange that the Army participate in the Saint Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, having regard to the desirability of marking the occasion of the national holiday in as significant a way as possible, particularly in Ireland's capital city.

I have indicated to Cumann Náisiúnta Cuireadórachta agus Tionscail that an Army band and a military colour party can be made available to participate in this year's St. Patrick's Day parade.

Would the Minister not consider asking more troops than just a band and colour party to participate in the parade, having regard to the fact that the Irish race throughout the length and breadth of the world have substantial parades and the poorest parade anywhere is the one that takes place in Dublin, the capital city.

I would ask the Deputy to have regard to the fact that at Easter there is a large military parade and it is not desirable that too many troops should be called upon to perform on both occasions and priority is usually given to the Easter Parade.

Thank goodness that at last we have a Lord Mayor of Dublin who believes in staying at home. It is one thing to be grateful for. The Government ought to follow the lead.

He is not the first one who stayed at home.