Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not accept this amendment but I do not think we disagree on much in respect of this issue. It may well be the case that when we review and amend the Defence Acts broadly we make some changes in respect of the Air Corps. Technically, the Army and the rank structure within the Army cover the Air Corps fully. For many years, until some years ago, the Air Corps was referred to as the Army Air Corps. The Army does already cover Air Corps. It is just not spelt out, as the Deputy is spelling it out now. It would not be appropriate to add unnecessary words because the ranks currently covered under the Army are part of the Air Corps ranking system already.

The only reason for a separate pillar for naval ranks is that there is a different rank structure in terms of name. I understand what the Deputy is saying and I value the distinction the Air Corps brings to the Army but it is part of the broader Army and rank structures. To separate them and say Army and Air Corps ranks suggests that the Air Corps is not part of the Army as regards ranking system and it is. In terms of legal accuracy, what is in place in the legislation is right. There are other aspects of the legislation that may need to be changed but that aspect is probably better left alone.

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