Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I have had representations from many parts of the country regarding participation in St. Patrick's Day parades and I have asked the Army to be as generous as possible. In addition to taking part in the aforementioned official events, the Army also takes part in many civic events such as shows, aerial displays etc., as well as sometimes providing tents for organisations that are holding meetings. While the Department naturally must now monitor such activities due to our straitened circumstances, I assure Deputy O'Shea that I will continue to be as generous as I possibly can and I certainly will not turn down any request simply because it happens to come from Waterford.

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