Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome what the Minister said about the establishment of an independent review but I am concerned that it seems to have superseded and overtaken the independent monitoring group. That is reflected by the fact that the Minister has linked my question with the other questions on the independent review which is obviously required. However, there is concern among the Defence Force representatives that it seems to be the case that the independent monitoring group has been set aside. The Minister's answer said that it has been set aside on the basis of the establishment of the independent review. Does that mean that the independent monitoring group is going to be disbanded?

If it is, what work is going to be undertaken by the independent review and when does the Minister envisage that group will be allowed to continue and complete this work? He will be aware the representative associations make the point that in an environment where inadequate manning levels and operational levels lead to a lack of mentoring supervision and governance, it is essential the employee representatives are included and employee voices heard. Will that voice be heard in the review the Minister is proposing?

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