Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

If I may finish the point, we have evolved to allow ever greater freedom. There was a total ban on anybody in a public service job being involved in politics, and that has evolved to apply to a certain rank. I am not suggesting we allow any political involvement among our Defence Forces, but we have to meet the principles that were agreed on in as unrestrictive a way as possible. That is the point I am trying to make.

Given we are dealing with the amendment grouping, I might also deal with the other amendments. They deal with the prohibition of activities of the association. Amendment No. 18, which is a technical amendment, will add to the current wording, “without prejudice to the purpose of an association of representing members”, the phrase “as provided for by this subsection”.

Amendment Nos. 19 and 21 deal with the prohibition of an association making "a public statement or comment concerning a political matter or matter of Government policy, or [encouraging] members to engage in public agitation, protest, lobbying or media commentary (including commentary by means of social media) concerning a political matter or matter of Government policy.” The notion that associations would be debarred from making a public statement or comment relating to Government policy seems excessive, and I have not heard in the debate so far any justification for that extreme perspective.