Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste's commentary. I welcome the fact that he recognises that this is an issue that should be put right. Most people who look at it forensically - I have not done so previously - would see it as a demeaning set of circumstances. That the Minister can direct flag officers of the navy or battalion commanders of our Army in a way the Chief of Staff cannot is a bizarre set of circumstances. It should be put right. I welcome the Minister's assurances that that his intention. In truth, if I was drafting a Bill myself, I would have been more comprehensive in terms of expanding the role of the chief of staff in terms of accountability, annual reports to the Oireachtas and presentations before the Committee of Public Accounts and this committee as well. Is that the direction in which the Tánaiste intends to move in the second Bill he has referenced?