Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Duffy for that. It was just to make a comment on that. Specifically, in respect of the working time directive, this committee has heard from numerous representative organisations and others that the working time directive is the key and the single most important thing we can do to address the retention crisis and in turn deal with the recruitment crisis the Defence Forces are currently in. There will need to be very clear lines set out in the legislation on what role the external oversight body will have on matters in that regard.

On the membership of the body, the scheme sets out a seven-person body, including the chair. It states members should have relevant experience in human resources, financial matters, direct leadership experience of military transformation and then there is the Secretary General of the Department in an ex officio capacity. If the Department and the Minister are going to be represented, even in such a capacity, would it be appropriate or has consideration been given to ensuring a representative of the Defence Forces personnel, as in a member of the representative organisations, be a either anex officio or full member of the board as a matter of standard?