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

It is, but it is also our job to have this change made in a timely manner in order that we can have a seamless transition from one Chief of Staff to another and that we can have the ranking structure that is appropriate. We need to take our time and look at, review and update the legislation which has been in place for a very long time. I am sure there will be multiple suggestions on how we should update the Defence Acts. What I am saying to the Deputy is that I will look at this issue and that we will make the appropriate changes in that context. As I said, the legal recommendation was that we remove the rank of general as opposed to adding the rank of admiral, but I am not willing to do that. I am willing to consider adding the rank of admiral, but rather than push this Bill back to the Seanad and thereby attach significance and importance to a change which is not timely, we should look at the legislation in place afresh, engage in a broad review and make multiple changes, if necessary, including this one. We will do this in a way that is not rushed rather than with a sense that things have to be done before the summer. What we are doing is what it is necessary to do to make sure we will have a smooth transition from one Chief of Staff to another. We will have an opportunity to engage in a broader review of the legislation in place, at which time I will be very amenable to the amendment proposed by Deputy Denis Naughten.

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