Derek McDowell (Labour)

A debate on this section took place in the other House which there is little point in rehearsing. I am unclear regarding the exact scope of section 6(2)(d), which states that the provisions of the Bill do not relate to members of the Defence Forces engaged in training directly associated with any of the activities specified in the previous three subsections. On the face of it, that could be construed to exclude most if not all training in which the Defence Forces are engaged. That would remove from the Act's scope the issues that gave rise to the Army deafness cases of a few years ago. Section 6(2), paragraphs (a), (b) and (c), refer to states of emergency, active service abroad and so on. Perhaps, however, the Minister might clarify the position regarding day-to-day or routine training carried out in this country, something in which the Defence Forces regularly engage. Is it covered by legislation?