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

Regarding public perception of the Defence Forces, the publication of the IRG report and the Women of Honour testimony can cause a lot of upset, not least for decent members of the Defence Forces. Deputy Berry explained this well in the Dáil, whereas another ex-member of the Defence Forces, who is not here, did not take it so well. I know it is very difficult. My experience is with a different kind of uniformed group. I recall what happened when I was growing up any time there was criticism of the Garda, of which my father was a member.

I remember that when the Dara Quigley case was in the news, he was disgusted but hurt as well. I understand where people are coming from. How can the Defence Forces manage the public perception and support the members during this period of transformation? There is the working time directive as well. While wages have increased for members at the start of their careers, as we consider the terms and conditions of members we must ensure we do not focus solely on officers and young people who are joining. While wages have certainly gone up at entry level, we must bear in mind in the context of what a person earns when they are 18 or 19 that they are unlikely to have a mortgage, or a family to look after and all the expense that goes with that. We must ensure we retain the members we have in the Defence Forces. I add to my support to what the Chair and Deputy Carthy have said about the working time directive. We have to get that sorted. On supporting the members of the Defence Forces, how can we work on the public perception of them?