The controversial proposed reorganisation of the Defence Forces seemed to be driven by the kind of consultants who would get lost in Lebanon, never mind sort out any problem there, said Mr Liam Cosgrave (FG), Leas-Cathaoirleach.
Noting that there was general disquiet in the forces at the planned reshaping, he said the Chief of Staff had recently rushed back from abroad. It appeared that consultants, rather than the military, were the driving force behind the changes contemplated. If consultants had done what they were meant to do in other quarters, we might not have had some costly tribunals. The Minister for Defence should attend the House to detail what was happening.
The Leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, undertook to convey Mr Cosgrave's views to the Minister.
Urging the Minister for Foreign Affairs to continue handling the issue of the new Austrian government in a temperate and careful fashion, Mr Feargal Quinn (Ind) warned that it would be dangerous to overreact to developments. There was a democratically elected government there which nobody liked but the action taken by many concerned countries could be counter-productive. "Just think what would happen in Ireland if we elected someone to government and the rest of the world or of Europe didn't like it. I think it would only do what seems to be happening in Austria."
He said everyone in Europe must ensure that steps taken did not produce an outcome which was the opposite to that which they sought.