I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 to 309, inclusive, and 314 together.
In accordance withn a commitment made in the Programme for Government, I wish to confirm that Government approval was granted today to establish an independent Commission on the Defence Forces. The Commission, which is due to commence its work before the end of this year, has been given a mandate to report within 12 months.
A Press Release providing details of the Commission's Terms of Reference and membership has issued on my Department's website.
I can confirm that 18 submissions were received in response to a consultation process that I initiated on the Terms of Reference, which involved a wide stakeholder group. These submissions, which included a broad range of views on matters which the Commission should be tasked, were carefully considered in the drafting the Commission's Terms of Reference.