Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Our Defence Forces have a sterling reputation all over the world for their humanitarian and peacekeeping duties in other countries. They are highly regarded and respected by the Irish public for the role they play in the security of this State. However, they continue to be undervalued when it comes to pay and working conditions. This Government remains reluctant to face up to the scale and impact of the issues facing members of the Defence Forces and their families. It is obvious that pay and conditions are contributing significantly to the personnel recruitment and retention issues in our Naval Service, Air Corps and Army. These issues must be addressed as a matter of urgency. I understand there has been a 30% turnover of staff in the past three years, or 10% year on year. Poor pay and conditions are also making a major contribution to the fact that many families of Defence Forces members depend on family income supplement to make ends meet. I come from a military barracks town and have met members of the Defence Forces and their families in Kilkenny. The situation on the ground is dire for those at the lower end of the pay scale.

In an effort to be constructive in the short amount of time available to me, I would like to suggest that the Minister of State should investigate the possibility of advancing alternative solutions to address the recruitment and retention crisis. An increase in the availability of higher education opportunities and third level places to all members of the Defence Forces would be a start. I acknowledge there is already a strong tradition when it comes to promoting higher education within the Defence Forces. We must do more to incentivise and increase the availability of educational opportunities to all members of the Defence Forces. Accommodation is a major issue because between 35% and 40% of the take-home pay of members of the Defence Forces can be spent on rent. Many other countries offer free accommodation to members of their defence forces. This is a huge incentive because it leaves soldiers, pilots and naval personnel with more money in their pockets at the end of the month. It is time for the Government to wake up to the situation that has happened. The Minister of State is in denial about is happening with personnel on the ground. As I have said, I come from a military barracks town. I know at first hand what families have to put up with because of the pay and conditions of Defence Forces personnel. I ask the Minister of State to do something for these people and these families.

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