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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Army participation in Arbour Hill ceremonies

Summary

Mattie McGrath asks why the Army was removed from Arbour Hill church ceremonies; the Chair rules the operational question out of order, and the Taoiseach says the defence amendment Bill is due next year.

Déanfaidh mé mo dhícheall. I will do my best. My first question relates to the defence (amendment) Bill. Who made the decision to remove the Army from participating in the Arbour Hill church ceremonies and why was it taken? I know the Taoiseach is the Minister for Defence now and I hope he will not get too anxious about all those jobs, but who made that decision? Why was it taken?

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

You know as well as I do that the question is not in order on the Order of Business.

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It is under the defence (amendment) Bill.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Then we will ask about the defence (amendment) Bill, but not the content.

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Who made the order to remove the Army from participating?

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

That is a separate issue altogether.

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The Army has been doing it for decades.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

What is the position on the defence (amendment) Bill?

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The defence (amendment) Bill is due next year.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

You have one more Bill, I understand, Deputy McGrath.

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