Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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That concludes Vote 35, provisions for Defence Forces pension benefits and appropriations-in-aid.

I will bring matters to a conclusion in accordance with the Minister's desire to be in the Chamber soon. Again, I want to acknowledge the constraints that we are operating under with regard to Covid in terms of not having people present and our time strictures.

I thank the Minister and his officials for attending and for dealing with questions. On my own behalf and that of members, I acknowledge this has been a difficult year for the Defence Forces with the challenges of Covid in particular. They have made a great contribution over a wide range of issues directly related to the pandemic. The committee is most grateful for the leadership and endeavour shown by the Chief of Staff, the Defence Forces and officials in the Department of Defence. Their contribution to logistics, testing and the ongoing vaccination programme, along with the assistance to the civil power has been quite remarkable. I know it will continue.