Is the Minister concerned in any way about the low level of morale in the Defence Forces, among officers and men? Furthermore, is he aware that some members of the general staff are reported to have had advised middle ranking officers, in their own interest, to look to outside employment, that there are now no real career opportunities for them in the Army because of present Government policy?

The Deputy is widening the scope of his question out of all proportion.

It has to do with the resources the Government are committing to the Defence Forces.

Clearly it is a widening of the subject matter of this question.

(Limerick West): I strongly refute the allegations made by Deputy Molloy. There were no such recommendations on the part of general staff or anybody else by way of encouraging members of the permanent Defence Forces to seek employment outside the Army. I am surprised to hear that from a former office holder.

It is because I am a former office holder I am greatly concerned. Probably it is because I am a former office holder these reports have been brought to my notice. Surely the Minister is not accusing the officers who reported this to me of having told lies?

(Limerick West): If the Deputy is prepared to give me the relevant information and details, I will gladly have them examined.

Provided the Minister will give me an assurance that he will carry out the same examination in Moate.

(Limerick West): I have given that assurance already.

The Minister said that everybody who was called for interview had been interviewed.

Deputy Molloy is persistently addressing questions from a sitting position and is completely out of order.