Toddy O'Sullivan
Ceist:14 Mr. T. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to lay the Gleeson commission report before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Gleeson Commission Report.
While there is no requirement to lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas the forthcoming report of the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces, I propose to have copies of the report made available in the Oireachtas Library.
When can we expect this report? The Minister has indicated in this House that it would be available before the end of June.
I answered that a minute ago.
We are having a great deal of repetition on the Gleeson commission report. It has been adverted to time and time again.
It is a sacred document.
This is the only question down on it.
It has been adverted to, Deputy, and you know that.
I am looking for an answer.
I have put a deadline for the end of this month and it will be as near to that as makes no difference. It might be a matter of weeks after that. The report is very well advanced and it will be a matter then for the commission under Mr. Gleeson to make the report available to me. When it is available, I will have it in the Library and it will be made public for circulation.
I ask the Minister to comment on the fact that he has given a commitment to this House that this report would be placed before both Houses of the Oireachas.
I have said that.
Given that the Houses of the Oireachtas will probably go in recess in the middle of July, can the Minister give a commitment that its implementation will be carried out as a matter of urgency?
I have made it plain that I propose to have copies of the report made available and then to have it circulated to the public. I will then be discussing with my Government colleagues what action we will take on foot of the report, so the whole thing will be open and above board.
Questions from Deputy Nealon and Deputy McCartan to finalise this matter.
Without, I hope, being repetitive, let me ask the Minister if it is his wish or intention to discuss or have discussed the findings of the Gleeson commission with the new representative bodies before the Government issue their decisions on them?
How can I reply to that in advance? Naturally, I hope to have consultation with them and I am sure they will seek it. That almost goes without saying.
It would make an excellent agenda for their first meeting.
Indeed.