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

I have listened to the Minister and he is correct that it is not necessary at the moment to make the amendment. However, it creates a further inconsistency in the legislation. The reason we are here is there was an inconsistency in the Army and Naval Service rankings. At the time the relevant legislation was brought through the Houses, it was never envisaged that there would be the need for the rank of vice-admiral. That is why this Bill is before the House today having been brought through the Seanad. What we are talking about is the inclusion of a very simple table which would include the rank of admiral. I accept that the Bill would have to be brought back to the Seanad tomorrow, where it would take ten minutes to put it through. However, we would at least have consistent legislation. From my experience, it is important to act where there is a discrepancy. We all accept that there is a discrepancy and an inconsistency in this legislation. For the sake of a few hours, therefore, we should amend the Bill to include the rank of admiral.

During the discussion on the White Paper and earlier today we all commended the Naval Service for its tremendous service in the Mediterranean, yet here we are further enshrining in legislation a lower upper rank within the Naval Service than that within the Army. While this is technical in nature, it creates an inconsistency and an anomaly. We have time to deal with it. I, therefore, ask the Minister to draft an amendment and bring the Bill back to the Seanad tomorrow. It could then be brought to the Áras for signing.

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