Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

To follow on from some of the points made by the Chairman, in many services very experienced and skilful people are leaving which presents difficulties. The Chairman spoke about low morale. It is a great credit to our Defence Forces that they have carried out their work in spite of that.

The shortfall has to be met but the Minister of State said this is likely to occur again. What can be done to ensure we are not in this position again? How can specialist skills be retained? What is the Minister of State doing to achieve that?

Is there a resource for people who have retired and are in severe financial difficulties? What sort of disabilities do people on the disability pension have? What effect does direct entry have on the services?