Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Obviously there is no compliance currently with the working time directive. Is the Minister of State committed to seeing it recognised?

With regard to strength in-station, I have figures that show the 7th Infantry Battalion is 64% below, the 6th Infantry Battalion is 64% below and the 28th Infantry Battalion is 56% below recognised and established strength in-station. I could go on. The figures show between 64% and 79% below recognised and established strengths in-station. What is the Minister of State doing to address the clear issues around the capacity in-station? Is the Minister of State satisfied with that?

Many of the Defence Forces personnel who serve the State have to use the cross-Border initiative because much of the healthcare for them that was there historically, and which was recognised in the context of their pay and conditions, has been removed and worn away. It has peeled away over many years. People who may have been injured on duty may have to wait up to two years, like anyone else, for an appointment. There are consequences of this. PDFORRA has had to introduce an initiative for its members for upfront diagnostics because it could, for example, impact on a soldier's ability to get promoted. If a medical problem has not been addressed or resolved the personnel could be retired on the basis that they are not getting the treatment they need. Is the Minister of State satisfied that many Defence Forces personnel in the State are having to use the cross-Border initiative? Does the Minister of State feel it is appropriate to send our Defence Forces personnel abroad so they can stay in work?

What is the Minister of State doing to address the concerns around the anomaly in the superannuation scheme for post-2013 entrants? I am aware that the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, has recently written to the Minister of State in this regard. Is there a commitment from the Minister of State to address the discriminatory anomalies there? We are aware of other examples where it has been addressed.

In his speech the Minister of State did not make any reference to Brexit. There is perhaps a sub-committee in the Department to address Brexit issues. If Ireland does not get a solution with regard to the Brexit outcome, does the removal of the 3rd Infantry Battalion expose Ireland if we have a lack of capacity in the northern part of the State?

I also want to ask-----