That is the subject of another debate.

Senator Gerard P. Craughwell mentioned a case, into which I will not go. On foot of him raising it, my office contacted the Department of Defence. It has been the subject of a Commencement matter. To be fair, the issue is important to him, but I think he will agree with me that the Taoiseach, as Minister for Defence, does not have control over matters such as promotion and hiring and firing within the Defence Forces. Rather than divide the House, I would be happy to talk to the Senator afterwards about how we could reach a resolution to break the impasse.

The matter he raises is important. It illustrates the need for transparency in making public appointments and the interview process, in particular. For all of us who have gone for interview for posts of responsibility and promotion in our jobs, there needs to be a clear marking scheme and a transparent awarding of points in order that we can have confidence in the integrity of the promotion system, whether it be in the Defences Forces, the education sector or even the Houses of the Oireachtas. I will be happy to speak to the Senator again about this issue afterwards if that is okay with him.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan referred to maritime affairs. Commissioner Vella is involved in drafting the maritime strategy framework, on which I will be happy to have a debate in the autumn because it is important. I compliment the Senator on her performance on the RTE maritime programme recently. It was an enlightening interview.

Senator Kevin Humphreys raised the issue of collective Cabinet responsibility. I will be happy to have the Taoiseach come to the House, but I do not think he will be here before the summer recess. It will not happen next week because his diary and our schedule are full.