Ms Clare Tiernan:

No. Their positions or posts have changed in the last 15 years in terms of independence, direct entry and who is eligible to apply for the post and the posts are statutory independent positions outside the chain of command. I suppose, given the nature of the posts, and the unique structures in the Defence Forces, it is seen that these posts should not be affiliated or associated with a representative association. It is on that basis that the proposal is that they should not be allowed to be a member of a representative association.