Joe Sherlock
Ceist:26 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made with regard to the updating and consolidation of Defence Forces regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Forces Regulations.
Defence Forces regulations are divided into six main categories containing in all 52 separate regulations. The contents of the regulations are reviewed and updated on a continuous basis by: the making of amendments thereto providing for additions and deletions; incorporating amendments into the main regulations and having them reprinted; rewriting new versions of existing regulations; and cancellation of obsolete regulations. The organisation and administration of the Defence Forces are at present being examined and it is anticipated that a further streamlining of Defence Forces regulations will result from that process.
Would the Minister agree that a number of his predecessors in office have acknowledged that there is a need to modernise the rules and regulations of the Defence Forces? Does the Minister hold that view and will he actively pursue a programme of modernisation of these regulations? Would the Minister agree that, in the context of the recommendations of the Gleeson report with regard to the redress of wrongs and the need to improve the appeals and complaints procedures within the Defence Forces, a very useful working basis for such improvement would be a simplification of the regulations which govern virtually every aspect of a soldier's life on a daily basis?
The substance of my reply is relevant in this regard. As I said, the organisation and administration of the Defence Forces are being examined as of now and it is anticipated that further streamlining of Defence Forces regulations will result from that process, which is ongoing.