Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comments on Second Stage about Custume Barracks. It is welcome that he has reiterated and clarified that commitment. It provides the reassurance we need because the questions being asked are genuine. We can debate them further when we discuss the White Paper. I also welcome the announcement this morning regarding the aeromedical service to be based at Custume Barracks in Athlone. That is a very positive and welcome development, not only in respect of the Defence Forces but for patient safety across the country.

Specifically on section 3, I tabled an amendment to the naval ranks which the Ceann Comhairle has ruled out of order because of the potential cost to the Exchequer. There is an anomaly in the legislation. While the Defence Acts provide for a general in the Army ranks there is no equivalent rank of admiral in the Naval Service. Under the Defence Acts there is a provision for the role of inspector general. We have never had an inspector general within the Defence Forces but there would be a presumption that if we were to appoint an inspector general that person would be at the rank of general. If that individual were to come from a naval background we would have to bring forward more amending legislation. Until today, there was the anomaly that we did not have the rank of vice-admiral. This amending Bill has been brought forward to facilitate that change. It was an anomaly in the original primary legislation that it did not make that provision. We are creating a further anomaly here today by not having the rank of admiral. If we have a general within the Army and Air Corps why should we not have the rank of admiral in the Naval Service? I ask the Minister to amend that anomaly and provide for that rank.

See this speech in context