Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It would be very difficult to define "controversy" in a Bill, although I take the points that have been made. I do not want to be suppressing citizens' right to have views. One of the reasons I am reflecting on this is that there could be potential unintended consequences for individuals if they made a comment, for example, in a certain context. It does not necessarily have to be in the circumstances I am thinking about. I do not believe it applies because the legislation states "while in uniform". Even so, while in uniform someone could make a comment and legislation could be used. On the aspect on Government policy, I am committed to the retention of "a political matter". I do not believe our Defence Forces should attend gatherings, including protests, in uniform. It is a requirement of joining. A member of the Defence Forces takes an oath reflecting this currently.