Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The Minister is aware that the last time he came before this House, it passed legislation to put in place an ombudsman who would take responsibility for investigating claims of bullying or harassment within the Defence Forces. In the context of this section, I wish to raise a point, given that the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act 2004 predated the Government's decision to amend this Act in principle to allow personnel to travel to other parts of the world for all kinds of reasons. I presume it is legally possible that, under the aforementioned Act, a complaint made overseas concerning an action by one member of the Defence Forces against another could be fully investigated and a determination made. I raise the point because the Ombudsman (Defence Forces) Act predated the Bill under discussion at present. Will the Minister clarify whether the situation I have outlined is applicable?