Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It remains for me, on behalf of the committee, to thank our witnesses for coming here this afternoon and sharing with us their observations on and concerns about the proposed legislation, and for dealing with the questions of members in the manner in which they have done so. It has been put to us that it is intended that the Bill will provide for amendments in three areas, which we have dealt with. These are the external oversight body, the matter of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and a number of miscellaneous amendments.

We acknowledged, not only in the course of our deliberations with the witnesses this afternoon but from previous engagement over the past couple of years, that this is a time of great challenge and great change in the Defence Forces. It is also a time of great opportunity in terms of investment and positive change. As a parliamentary committee representing Government parties, Opposition parties and Independent Members, our wish for the witnesses is that any change would be made in a spirit of co-operation and collaboration, and that there would be at all times an appropriate level of discussion and consultation, notwithstanding some legal constraints that may be evident.

We have taken careful note of the points at issue. I have received a proposal, which was seconded, for a certain course of action. I have not received any counterproposal. We will certainly give careful consideration to what has been discussed. We will be preparing a report at an early date. As has been said by Senator Craughwell, we are under some time pressure. It is fair to say the Government itself is under some time pressure having regard to the legislative programme and its priorities. This is a priority not only of the Department of Defence but also of the Government. We, as a committee, will certainly ensure that the witnesses are very much engaged as stakeholders along the way. The next step is for us to report back to the Department, following which progress will be made in the technical drafting of the legislation. I thank the witnesses for being with us. It has been a very useful and instructive exercise.

I remind members that we have some private business and I ask them to remain. It will not take too long.