Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is welcome to the House to discuss this important legislation. Like others, I welcome the legislation. It is a much-needed step forward. For too long, we have watched our Defence Forces deplete in front of our eyes, so much so that the numbers are down to an all-time low. It is an indictment of successive Governments over the past ten to 15 years that we have allowed this situation to develop. We have now reached a line in the sand, if you want to put it that way, with the report that we have. We are hoping to move things forward. There are many good items in this legislation which I welcome. I, too, congratulate the Tánaiste for bringing forward this legislation.

There are a couple of items that I have concerns with which have been given airtime here this afternoon by many of my colleagues. We are fortunate that for the 34 years since 1990, we have had two representative bodies within the Defence Forces, namely PDFORRA and RACO, which have conducted themselves in an exemplary manner in representing their members. They have been professional, considerate and moderate in their language at all times. For the life of me, I cannot understand why we are, I would go so far as to say, putting a gagging order on these individuals now, as they go about representing the welfare of their members. To enshrine in legislation that members cannot comment on Government policy is over the top, frankly.

Defence Forces members are very much part of communities. If members of a community had an issue with a local hospital or local school and the community organised a march, are we saying that these members are prohibited from joining that march? Perhaps the Minister of State might be able to give me a response to that question. From the way I read the legislation, it appears that is the intention. However I would welcome clarity on the matter. I sincerely hope it is not the case but I would like clarity on that simple example that I have given. These are questions that members of the Defence Forces are putting to me.

As I said earlier, if there was a history of RACO or PDFORRA stepping outside the box with their comments, I would see through it.However, in all my dealings with both RACO and PDFORRA over many years, I found them to be very professional, considered, moderate and sensible, as they go about striving for better terms and conditions for their members. On the comments of my good friend, Senator Clonan, regarding the Secretary General, and this is no slight on the individual concerned, it seems quite strange that such an individual would be an ex officiomember of this group. It appears that perhaps there is potential, and this is no slight on the merit of the person, for a conflict of interest in that regard. Many people have voiced that concern.

By and large, I very much welcome the legislation. There are just two issues that give me great concern. The Bill has been largely welcomed and the representative bodies are very happy with it. The two concerns they have are the ones I outlined. I would be grateful if the Minister of State would shed a wee bit of light on them.