Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members for their contributions and constructive comments during this very short debate. As I stated in my opening remarks, this is a very short technical Bill to allow Rear Admiral Mark Mellett to become Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. Senator Ó Clochartaigh mentioned the fact that personnel from the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are represented in the general staff of the Defence Forces, which is great. All of these people have played a significant role in the Irish Defence Forces in recent years. This is the first time a Naval officer will be Chief of Staff, which must be welcomed because the Naval Service has done sterling work in the Irish Defence Forces for many years. I commend all of the men and women who are members of the Defence Forces. I wish Rear Admiral Mellett the very best of luck when he takes over from Lieutenant General Conor O'Boyle in September. I thank the Senators for their contributions.