Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent)

In light of the comments made in the Chamber and outside earlier, I have three brief questions. The first is for context and I say it with full respect. Does the Taoiseach know how many members of his party have criminal records? If he does not, does he think he should know? I agree entirely with the Taoiseach's views about the court liaison officer. I was one myself. It is archaic and needs to be changed, but the Defence Forces cannot change the law. Only politicians can change the law. The Defence Forces have been screaming for changes to their regulations. They are looking for powers of suspension and powers of dismissal for gross misconduct, but there has been radio silence from successive Governments. When will we get changes to the Defence Forces regulations? The military can only obey the orders it gets from the Government of the day. Being the constructive person that I am, my final point is that the solution here is simple. Deputy Carroll MacNeill is an able politician and a barrister. She was appointed as a Minister of State in the Department of Defence. There are 20 Ministers of State, but the only Minister of State who has had no powers delegated to her is Deputy Carroll MacNeill. She is the ideal person to delegate defence powers to. Review the Defence Forces' regulations and we will solve this problem.

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