Matt Carthy
Question:24. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the further consultation he intends to carry out regarding the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024. [22043/24]
View answerThursday, 16 May 2024
Questions (24)
Written answers
Thank you Deputy for the question.
The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024 passed second stage in the Dáil on 2 May 2024 and is scheduled for Dáil Committee Stage on 23 May 2024.
This Bill is an important step in delivering on the Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces. This is particularly the case in providing for the establishment and operation, on a statutory basis, of the External Oversight Body, which was a key recommendation of the Independent Review Group. The External Oversight Body will be a key driver in the implementation of the necessary cultural transformation throughout the Defence Forces, including addressing issues relating to dignity in the work place.
Although it is not intended to conduct any further formal consultation in parallel with the debate of the Bill by the Oireachtas, my officials remain in active contact with stakeholders.
There has been commentary, including during the pre-legislative scrutiny process, that there was insufficient consultation with stakeholders on the draft legislative proposals. I consider such commentary does not reflect the engagement that has taken place in the last few months.
Following the approval by Government of the general scheme of this Bill, I and my officials have engaged extensively with the military representative associations and the interim Oversight Body on the draft legislative proposals. The relevant stakeholders were also given an opportunity to provide written observations.
The general scheme also underwent the pre-legislative scrutiny process. As part of this process, my officials met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. My Department also provided detailed supplementary written material to the Committee to assist it in its work.
I can confirm that I and my officials listened carefully to the views expressed by stakeholders and those arising from the pre-legislative process. The Bill as published includes a number of refinements and modifications which take account of the views of stakeholders.
However, in common with any piece of legislation, it is not always possible to accommodate every view that is put forward by stakeholders.