The one difference in the Minister’s answer is that there has been a meeting this year. Given the context, this is unacceptable. He has to give us details about when the new scheme will be up and running. In 2001, 23 years ago, the Ombudsman told us the scheme was improperly discriminatory, overly rigid and inflexible and appeared to be causing inequity. Then we had a Supreme Court case taken by two individuals. They were successful. The Minister announced in 2020 that a review would be undertaken. That is four yea…

A question seeking clarification on whether funding is available has been asked. That is very important. It has also been asked when the new scheme will be up and running. After 23 or 24 years, that is the least people deserve. They deserve a timeline. As of 13 February, 923 people were on an appeals waiting list. I do not know where the Minister's figures are in that, but maybe he can give us details on the appeals afterwards, and let us know how many people came back after six months and were allowed to apply aga…

I am not due to speak in this slot but I am taking it because my colleague is not present. There is a second slot he can use if he does come. Tá sé anseo anois. I will let Deputy Fitzmaurice take this slot and I will take the next one.

No.

That is okay. I will wait.

If not, that is fine. I have not started yet. The Deputy can take this slot.

Fáiltím roimh an deis píosa cainte a dhéanamh faoin mBille seo atá thar a bheith tábhachtach. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. I put an effort into understanding it, because we are dealing with massive figures and different terminology and finance, which is not my area but over the years here I have learned to take notes. I thank the Library and Research Service staff for their hard work and the fool's guide to legislation that they prepare for us on a regular basis and under extreme pressure. The Bi…

Is mian liom comhghairdeas a chur in iúl don iarThaoiseach, an Teachta Varadkar. Bhí sé gonta lena chuid freagraí i gcónaí agus thaitin sé sin liom, in ainneoin nár thaitin na freagraí liom. Cuirim céad míle fáilte roimh chlann an Aire, an Teachta Harris, anseo: a bhean chéile, Caoimhe; a thuismitheoirí, Bart agus Mary; agus na gasúir, Cillian agus Saoirse. Gan dabht, is pribhléid amach is amach é agus is lá stairiúil atá ann inniu. Faraor, ní bheidh mé in ann mo thacaíocht a thabhairt dó, bunaithe ar a pholasaithe…

Go raibh maith agat.

Ag bogadh ar aghaidh go dtí People Before Profit-Solidarity, glaoim ar an Teachta Bríd Smith.

Is Deputy Paul Murphy taking five minutes?

I thank the Deputy, but he is way over time.

Through the Chair, please.

Time is now up.

I ask for an update on the status of the tribunal of inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints process in the Defence Forces. I ask for a specific update on this, given the background. In 1990, the Gleeson report was published, which outlined the inadequacies in the grievance procedures, the victimisation of people who applied for redress and the urgent need for an inquiry.

I thank the Tánaiste for the update. Have all members, as well as the necessary administrative and backup staff, been appointed? I gather from the answer that work has not yet begun at the tribunal. The Tánaiste said that in due course he will sign a statutory instrument. When will the tribunal actually start its work? The Tánaiste has confirmed verbally that if people have not made complaints formally, they will still be included. That is not set out in the terms of reference. Will he clarify that again for the re…

I thank the Tánaiste. I know he has confirmed some things, but they were not in the terms of reference.

That is why we keep asking these important questions. I looked at the terms of reference. I and other colleagues have raised this issue and the Tánaiste verbally confirmed the terms of reference, which is good. I do not want to repeat what I have said, but this is important. The independent review group told us that neither men nor women were safe. That was a staggering statement. I do not want to repeat what I have said in the short time I have available. We have come to this point because the complaints procedure…

I thank the Minister. He will get a chance to come back in.

I thank the Minister. We are over time.