asked the Minister for Defence if he will state what duties are at present assigned by the Government to the Judge-Advocate-General under Section 15 of the Defence Act, 1954.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duties Assigned to Judge-Advocate-General.
The duties at present assigned by the Government to the Judge-Advocate-General under Section 15 of the Defence Act, 1954, are as follows:—
(1) the furnishing of advice and recommendations on proceedings of courts-martial before the findings and/or sentence are, where confirmation is required, confirmed by a confirming authority; and
(2) the furnishing of advice generally on matters of military law.
Would the Minister agree that these are matters of a quasi-judicial nature in relation to a court-martial?
Yes.
Does the Minister think that it is proper that a person exercising functions of a quasi-judicial nature should act as an election agent for a candidate in an election?
The appointment is on a part-time basis and the person appointed is permitted to carry on practice in so far as that practice is not inconsistent with the performance of the duties of Judge-Advocate-General.
Does the Minister think it proper for the Judge-Advocate-General to act as an election agent?
It is quite all right so long as it does not involve people subject to military law.
So long as it is for Fianna Fáil.