Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Off the top of my head, I do not know how many but I will obtain that information and will communicate it to Deputy Gormley.

As regards Deputy Sherlock's point about information concerning some complaint that has been made by a member of the military, all I can say is that the matter is being investigated by the military. I do not interfere in internal military investigations of complaints. When the complaints process comes to an end and the military reaches a conclusion, I have no doubt the result will be publicised. It will certainly come into the public domain.

As regards the Deputy's query about victimising people who want to make complaints, I am happy to inform him that the new regulation I mentioned to Deputy Gormley, instruction A7, contains a provision which penalises and makes it an offence for somebody to victimise or retaliate in any way simply because they have made a complaint. That is a matter which will now be subject to disciplinary action. It is firmly spelt out, so there is a whistleblower's charter written in to the new regulations. We have dealt with that matter which is specifically provided for.

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