Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have never been first before. I thank the Minister of State and his officials for attending the committee. He is always willing to attend the committee or the Seanad when requested to do so. I acknowledge and appreciate that.

I know I am a thorn in his side about this issue. Sometimes, I feel I am repeating myself. We all know why pay had to be reduced in the Defence Forces and in other sectors. We must never forget why it happened and who was responsible for it. We must hope that we have put in place procedures that will ensure it never happens again.