Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

My priority is firmly focused on maintaining the operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces, to the greatest extent possible, within a reduced resource envelope. In this context, and in line with the programme for Government, the Department is actively engaged in the comprehensive review of expenditure, which was recently initiated by Government. This review of expenditure will assist the Government in consolidating the public finances by identifying options for expenditure savings. The outcome of the review will inform the priorities to be followed.

As regards legislative priorities, in the past few days I have received the Government's approval to the priority drafting by the Parliamentary Counsel of a Defence (Amendment) Bill 2011. I will allow for it to be published and, I hope with the co-operation of the House, enacted before the summer recess. This Bill proposes to amend several existing provisions of the Defence Acts 1954 to 2007 regrading the military justice system as it affects the Military Judge and the Director of Military Prosecutions. It will provide for the expansion of the eligibility criteria and selection for the posts of Military Judge and Director of Military Prosecutions in the Permanent Defence Force. It will also provide for an alternative judge to perform all and or any of the functions of a military judge where the Military Judge is unavailable for any reason and other related matters. The legislation will deal with the various lacunae in this aspect of the military justice system.

In addition, the Department is developing proposals for the preparation of a separate Bill dealing with amendments to the Defence Acts concerning military discipline. While the Department has been engaged in consultations with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, it is not possible at this stage to confirm whether the Bill will be ready for publication this year.

See this speech in context