Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes but the Minister may, notwithstanding the authorisation, authorise an association to be associated with a trade union or any other body outside of the Defence Forces in such cases, in such manner and subject to such conditions or restrictions as he or she may specify. They can organise but in such a way, and in such fashion and subject to it. The section goes on to state the authorisation can be withdrawn by simply writing a letter stating the authorisation is withdrawn. It is extraordinary when we read it out, as I did on Second Stage. It is an extraordinarily restrictive set of proposals.