Rónán Mullen (Independent)

The Minister is right about one thing, ducks do not have teeth but severed edges on the inside of their bills do help them grab weeds underwater, bugs and so forth. It is appropriate, given that in the last couple of days we have spotted some underwater weed beneath the surface of this Bill, some uisce faoi thalamh. We have been within our rights to raise the issue and to seek a precise account on it.

I will not say a great deal at this point as I will save most of my comment for my amendments, but Senator O'Donovan appears to feel the Minister blamed him for something I said. If I said anything incorrect, I am happy to have the record corrected. It might have been about the precise position of those who would sit on the selection committee. I have no problem accepting the good faith and the precise relationship they will have with the Department of Defence and the Minister. It is probably a somewhat tangential point, but if it is an issue of concern to the Minister, I would be happy if he would clarify it. I will accept any clarification on any issue of fact in that regard. I will reserve further comment for my amendment as I do not wish to delay the House unduly.