Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his presentation. I want to put on record the work done by the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, and the Civil Defence in recent weeks. I am sure the committee would acknowledge the work that was done by the Defence Forces and others up until this weekend. It is important we acknowledge that wonderful work by the Defence Forces, the Air Corps, the Civil Defence and everybody else. The Civil Defence is a voluntary organisation. With regard to benefits, its members are there at the beck and call of all of us, and it is important these people are acknowledged.

The Minister of State referred to additional funding and it is good to see it is hoped over 800 personnel will be recruited for 2018. With regard to the starting salaries and the budget the Department has had in recent years, given the Minister of State is endeavouring to get additional funding for the recruits and everybody associated with the Defence Forces, he might elaborate on that.