Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and the entire delegation. I thank them for their attendance. I concur with the Chief of Staff's sentiments at the outset in relation to the women and men of Óglaigh na hÉireann on the service and dedication they give to the State. We are all deeply indebted to them. I would be grateful if Mr. Mulcahy could pass on those sentiments.

I welcome the positives the witnesses outlined in both contributions. It is great to see that progress but, unfortunately, as they alluded to, there is much more to be done in that regard. We must strive to get to that point as quickly as we possibly can.

I might confine my contribution to just a number of questions, the first of which is for the Secretary General. The Commission on the Defence Forces made a recommendation on military attachés and the very disappointing lack of progress on its implementation to date. At a time of massive geopolitical instability, Ireland's access to key military, security and defence decision-makers in many troubled countries is very disappointing. What progress has been made on establishing a network of defence attachés, as recommended by the commission? When will it be in place? Is the Department fully supportive of the establishment of this vital network?

My second question is for the Chief of Staff. What benefits to defence, security and intelligence, not to mention the safety and security of our diplomats and citizens abroad, would result from the establishment of a defence attaché network like that which many other countries enjoy?