I note a recent report that the Defence Minister denied permission for members of the Defence Forces to act as honour guard for procession during the recent International Eucharistic Congress. Is this a signal of a fundamental change in Irish society? Up and down the country in nearly every town and village the Army has participated and does give a mark of respect to the occasion. Does this mean that Army personnel, including the Army Band, for instance, could be stopped from participating in the annual Cork procession or at similar events?. I am not sure what the thinking is behind this, is it because of cost and they have better things to be doing? or is a decision made on religious grounds? or is it a once off? In any event, I’m not aware of a consultation in relation to the matter and perhaps a debate should have been initiated.
