Tom Clonan (Independent)
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I would like to make one last request. We worked with RACO on the previous Defence (Amendment) Act. We argued the case vocally in the Seanad and laid down amendments we had drafted in consultation with RACO. We seemed to get some traction with the then Tánaiste and Minister for Defence - it was Micheál Martin at the time - but then everything was just guillotined. While we in the committee might disagree to some extent on such issues as the triple lock and what might replace it, I imagine we are all in agreement about the necessity for redress and the right of appeal - natural justice - within the organisation. There is a social contract with society. Army personnel put themselves in harm's way and the minimum they should expect is to be treated fairly.

I will be in contact with RACO or I hope its representatives will reach out to me to see how we can work on this legislation. I ask my colleagues, if they have influence with the Cabinet, that at their parliamentary party meetings they highlight the deficiencies in the heads of the Bill because it would be a mistake for them to proceed in the manner in which they have been set out.