Ms Clare Tiernan:

I thank the Senator. The general scheme contains a proposal to introduce powers of suspension into the Defence Forces. Those powers currently are not there. This is something the Chief of Staff has sought. It has come about through the Ward report as well, which was published last December. The heads of the Bill set out the broad principles of suspension. The criteria that will apply will be set out in regulations. It provides regulation-making powers. In respect of the court martial, the purpose of that head is to provide timelines. It sets out clearly that if someone is appealing a court martial, the timeline is 28 days. It is a process matter rather than a substantive change.