Barry Ward (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have raised this as an issue on the Order of Business a number of times. I know there are no amendments to the Bill. As for its general application, however, in the context of this section and the application of military law to serious criminal offences, has the Department given any consideration to, for example, application beyond the court martial for people accused? There is a concern, which other Senators have raised in the Chamber, that somebody who is the subject of military law and who may have been accused of quite a serious criminal offence would see that offence downgraded within a code of military justice or a code of military offences. Does the Bill in any way restrict the ability of the law of the State to deal with such persons who are charged with serious offences? I do not think this comes under any specific section, but has the Department given any consideration as to whether there is any danger that those who are accused of serious offences, particularly sexual offences, may be able to escape full justice in respect of such offences if proven against them? Is there any issue in that regard?