Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before I come to Deputy Berry, Deputy Carthy mentioned in particular the importance of the working time directive. It comes as a disappointment to this committee that there has not been a greater level of progress. It has been put to this committee, and I heard it put in the Dáil Chamber, that this is an issue for another Department, namely the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, a Department Ms Sinnamon is particularly familiar with from a previous guise. I see a real difficulty there insofar as when we ask questions here, officials from the Department of Defence can say it is not their issue but one for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In fact, the Tánaiste has said that here. Looking at the membership of the implementation oversight group, I do not see any reference to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Can Ms Sinnamon tell us, before Deputy Carthy leaves, what is the relationship between the Department of Defence and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment? It seems that this is a classic case of kicking for touch, saying it is for another Department and that it is not their issue. Deputy Carthy cited the fact he tabled a question to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, but he did not tell us what the reply was.