Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will briefly speak in support of Deputy Howlin's contribution. It makes perfect sense. I am very supportive of the principle and concept as well, particularly with regard to the separation of headquarters. For instance, Garda headquarters is not embedded in the Department of Justice. It is completely separate and rightly so. It has a certain amount of operational independence as well, which is completely as it should be. With regard to the Accounting Officer in particular, the Garda Commissioner is the Accounting Officer for An Garda Síochána and the Chief of Staff should be the Accounting Officer for the Defence . It is a little bit more nuanced in the defence apparatus because we have Vote 35, which deals with pensions, and Vote 37, which is the operational budget and, therefore, we could in theory split the Votes and leave the Secretary General of the Department of Defence to look after Vote 35 and Vote 36 could be looked after by the Chief of Staff. Those are the options. I am very supportive of the principle. I thank the Minister for his response.