Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This brings members back to the discussion they had with the Minister during the last Question Time when they acknowledged the extent to which the Department of Defence and the members of the Permanent Defence Force have been exemplary in their delivery of change, on the modernisation and the way in which they have reacted to reform. To a certain extent, through the Estimates the Minister has presented to the select committee, he is showing himself and his departmental personnel to be perhaps too good at the job they are doing. They certainly are too good at their job for the members of the Defence Forces because while worthwhile savings are being effected, it is at a cost to the permanent members of the Defence Forces. I am particularly concerned by the reports that up to 20% of the membership of the Defence Forces is in receipt of family income supplement. When one comes to the issue of pay under subhead A3 or that of allowances under subhead A4, these are pertinent matters for serving members of the Defence Forces. While one appreciates the process through which the select committee is going today, one must also appreciate that in respect of both the pay and the allowances that traditionally were paid to serving members, the end of the road has been reached as to what they can tolerate. While members of the select committee may state this is an exemplary Department, which in many respects it is, one must realise the achievements being pointed to have been achieved on the backs of the serving members, who are paying for much of the progress that is being achieved. This must at least be acknowledged.