In view of the Minister's reply to Question No. 6, are we to take it that under the heading of altering existing policies the Minister has abandoned the procedure for courts martial and policing of members of the armed forces in their activities, extra Army or otherwise?

(Limerick West): I said no such thing.

The Minister indicated that he had no responsibility whatever relating to suggestions that a member of the armed forces may have been involved in unauthorised business with certain personnel and that he had no responsibility in this area. I am asking him if that is so and if he has, in effect, abandoned any responsibility in this area, or is this part of his review of his position as Minister for Defence?

(Limerick West): I have already answered that question.

The Minister said he had no responsibility in this area. I suggest that he is not making any effort to answer the questions put to him. How can he suggest that as Minister for Defence he has no responsibilities for the activities of members of the armed forces? I wonder if that is part of the ongoing review of his policy as suggested in Question No. 8?