I congratulate the new Leader of this House on his appointment by the Government as its representative in the House. I know he will do an excellent job and be balanced and fair at all times. I had the pleasure of meeting his family last week and I could see that his father, his wife and their two beautiful children were bursting with pride on his appointment. It is a great honour not only for him but for them and his supporters throughout the country. I wish him very well.

Senator Craughwell raised a very important issue that should not be ignored in relation to the 64th naval cadet class that graduated last Thursday, 25 June. Colleagues in this House are aware that all Defence Forces officers have their commissions signed by the President of this country. While the President is not available on all occasions to present those commissions to the graduating cadet classes, a Minister normally presides over such an event. While I appreciate the fact that the Minister, Deputy McEntee, may not have been available to take part in this very important ceremony for these cadets and their families, and for the Defence Forces because the graduation ceremony is a day of pride, it should have been ensured that some Minister or Minister of State was available. These were not certificates of attendance; they were hard-earned commissions.

These cadets should have been afforded the courtesy of a representative of the Government being present for their graduation rather than the Secretary General of the Department of Defence, who is a civil servant.