Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

There are only nine brigadier generals in the country and they are not represented by any organisation in pay negotiations. I accept the chief of staff and his two assistants, who in a way are Government appointees, would not fall into this category. In the Civil Service assistant secretaries are represented and brigadier general seems to be the only category that is not. Brigadier generals are dependent on the goodwill of the review commission and I see no reason why they should not be represented; the Minister should give consideration to this.

Members of RACO have indicated to me that they would be favourably disposed towards including brigadier generals in their association.

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