Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

If there was an assurance that it would be project specific, it would certainly help.

There is a key point I want to make. The briefing document provided to members states that the role of the Defence Forces is "to provide for the military defence of the State". The Commission on the Defence Forces openly stated- this has been accepted by nearly everybody - that the Defence Forces cannot do the job they are tasked to do. There are consequences for not funding the Defence Forces properly. If we can fund them properly over the coming years, it would be hugely appreciated and would make a massive difference on the ground.

The key thing for me is the people involved. It is our number one capability. I am sure the Tánaiste will be aware that the current Defence Forces contingent of 7,550 is the lowest for over 50 years. This definitely has to be addressed. The Tánaiste is aware of that.

I will make a few suggestions. The Tánaiste spoke about the maximum recruitment age. It varies over the ages of about 25, 26 or 27 depending on the service. The Tánaiste said he will increase that over the next while. I would say that the higher up it can go the better. Prior to 1994, the maximum mandatory retirement age used be 60.