48 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Defence if, in the light of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990, he will facilitate members of the Army Nursing Services to become directly involved in negotiations with his Department on matters affecting their condition of employment.

The Defence (Amendment) Act, 1990, does not apply to the Army Nursing Services. It is my intention, however, to examine the representive arrangements for that service in the light of new procedures which are being introduced under the Act for officers and enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force.

I welcome the Minister's reply and I hope that the representative arrangements will be implemented at an early date.

I agree, and it will be done.