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

As the Deputy probably knows, the Minister is looking at this issue and has been for a while. There are some real concerns about this, which we should not dodge. I am a former Minister for Defence, and while we have to ensure appropriate representation for Defence Forces members, we also have to recognise that the Defence Forces, like the Garda in many ways, are in a different category from other public servants. The State needs to know that it can rely on them in all circumstances. The Chief of staff has expressed some legitimate concerns about this, so we have to work through them to make sure the decisions made in this area are right for both Defence Forces personnel and the State.

I expect the Minister of State at the Department of Defence will be able to come forward shortly to give a detailed commentary and decision on this issue. It is not as straightforward as some people have made out.

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