Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I have examined this issue in the intervening period. I have no objection to the Act being reviewed as often as is required. However, I am not persuaded that a statutory provision is the way to do it. It is my intention and that of the Department that the Act be kept under constant review and amended as often as necessary having regard to developments in the law.

A phase two process to amend further the disciplinary provisions of the Defence Act is due to be initiated later this year. This will provide an opportunity to review the operation of the provisions of this Bill. The insertion of a statutory time limit within which such a review must be conducted is therefore unnecessary. Such a provision could at some future date cause unforeseen and unnecessary difficulties. Therefore, I reject the amendment.

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