Ireland's Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 proposes a "gagging order" on Defence Forces members regarding political matters and public activism.
A proposed bill in Ireland risks putting a "gagging order" on members of the Defence Forces, according to an employment law solicitor. The Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 aims to significantly overhaul the Defence Forces and would allow them to associate with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, a change long campaigned for by Army members. However, concerns have been raised over certain provisions, with the most controversial being one that would ban Defence Forces members from commenting on any political matter and prohibit representative associations from encouraging members to engage in public agitation, protests, lobbying, or media commentary against government policy.
March 03, 2024
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