Ms Julie Sinnamon:

Regarding the Senator's point on the budget and €3 billion versus what has been agreed, the level of ambition 2 has been accepted but it does not mean that, at a point in time, the level of ambition 3 is off the table. It is quite a stretch to get to the level of ambition 2 and we will take it from there. It does not mean the other is not the case.

On the Senator's point about psychometric testing versus skills-based testing, I do not think it is an either-or.

I have seen the value of psychometric testing and I am also a big believer in the need for the skills testing.

Regarding one-size-fits-all, that is a constant issue not just in the military versus public service, but across the public service. Things like military service allowances recognise that there are different requirements from different roles, across the public service and the military.

I do not have the detail on the mandatory retirement issue. I can see the implications of it in terms of the people who are eligible and it is also something I will bring back.

The Senator raised the capability development issue. A process has been put in place. He is correct that at this point Defence Forces people have not been appointed to that body, but those appointments are in the immediate term. It is something that is very live as we speak.

Regarding the Reserve Defence Force, the Civil Defence has no problem recruiting. The Government has accepted the need to reach Level of Ambition 2, which involves substantial budget increases. The year 2023 so far has seen record increases in budget. The Minister's commitment to seeing this plan implemented it is evident from all he has said and from the first year's budget that has been provided.

On a whole-of-government maritime service redevelopment, I will report that back. I do not have an answer on that nor can I answer what role the Naval Service had in the selection of the ships that were selected. I presume there was a substantial element but I do not have that specific detail.

The IOG has been a major report in terms of highlighting issues. The Minister has been very clear about the steps that need to follow it. The report is consistent with many previous reports and things that were alluded to in the commission report, etc. We all recognise the need to implement cultural change. That is a significant element of the retention issues we also discussed.