Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat. I welcome the Minister to the committee. I would also like to be associated with his words about Private John Rooney. We had a minute for peace earlier today in the Dáil. We stood for a minute's silence for peace on St. Brigid's Day. Our peacekeepers are the very best of us. Many of the questions I was going to ask have already been answered. I would, though, like to return to the issue of underspending on pay. We acknowledge the increase in pay for recruits was very welcome. We all remember receiving our first full-time wage and then thinking we are absolutely loaded. While that is great for an 18-year-old, we do need to look at the rates of pay for a 30-year-old thinking of starting a family and buying a home. It is a pity to see this underspending when we should be looking to spend this money on holding on to the personnel we have.

Also on retention, I spoke to the Minister a few times regarding the Curragh Camp fire station. There is a general feeling in the Defence Forces of being neglected. I think closing this fire station would be confirming they are. These are deeply committed and highly skilled workers. Personnel rotate and some from the fire station go abroad to serve. This aspect goes to the safety of our troops. I wonder if the Minister has any news about this matter. I ask because I heard another rumour last week concerning the fire station. I think I spoke to the Minister about it.