8 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if he accepts the recommendation of the Gleeson Commission that privates' messes be established.

12 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if he has made a decision on the recommendation of the Gleeson Commission that privates' messes be established.

32 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence if it is his intention to have privates' messes established as provided for in the recommendations of the Gleeson Commission Report, paragraph 11.5.7.

46 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence if he will authorise the establishment of privates' messes.

50 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the Gleeson Commission report recommendation that privates' messes be established; and when this proposal will be implemented.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 12, 32, 46 and 50 together.

I am in agreement with the recommendation in the Report of the Commission on Remuneration and Conditions of Service in the Defence Forces that privates' messes should be established. The formulation of the necessary administrative arrangements for the establishment of such messes is at present being undertaken.

The Minister knows that this is one of the simplest, most clearcut and sensible recommendations made in the Gleeson report. Since this is conceivably his last opportunity to answer questions in the Dáil, will he not say when the first mess will come into operation for privates?

I thought it was very clear in the reply. It is being done.

I am asking for a timetable indicating when it is likely that we will have the first privates' mess.

It is very advanced. It will be done before the end of the year.

I welcome the Minister's response. Will he confirm that profits from messes will be used as directed by a majority of mess members and that the overall running of the mess will be in accordance with the wishes of a majority of them. They should have greater control in the running of the mess.

It is another area which is not involved in the question.

It is a very important area.

I can appreciate its importance but it is not the question.