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

I welcome the Minister of State and his officials. I have some questions arising from his comments.

Last weekend there was an indication that officials were sitting on a report from the Defence Forces on pay. Why are there such delays? We have heard much about gaps and personnel shortages in the Defence Forces. What is the current position and what are the Minister of State's views on the shortages? He spoke before about direct entry and re-entry to the Defence Forces as a way of getting people with valuable skills into the military. Will he update us on where the proposals stand and the timeframe in that regard?

The Minister of State has mentioned overseas personnel and the wonderful work they do. As we mark the 60th anniversary of their deployment, will he give us details of the numbers who serve overseas? For those who have not served overseas, will there be an opportunity to do so in the foreseeable future?