Amendments Nos. 24 and 25 seem to be inter-related, so could we take the two together? You want to amend the sub-section and delete it at the same time. What do you want to do?
SECTION 24.
What I want to do is to delete the section and, if it is not deleted, to amend it.
I know that that is the intention. How will we deal with that ?
I move amendment No. 24 : to delete sub-section (4). The section provides that the Minister can direct an officer with a commissioned rank to take on a naval rank. I think that that is one of the things he can do—to make a sailor of a soldier. I feel that, in the first instance, that is wrong, and should not be done, and, secondly, if the committee sees that there are reasons why it should be done, then I think that a soldier should be made a sailor or a sailor a soldier only if he himself is agreeable.
If the Deputy would withdraw amendment No. 24 I would change the wording to " with his own consent ". That would meet the Deputy.
Yes, I will agree.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
I move amendment No. 25 :—
In sub-section (4), line 28, to insert after the word " may " the words " if, but only if, the officer concerned gives his consent thereto in writing ".
The Minister is accepting the principle of amendment No. 25.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Section agreed to.