Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I am disappointed that only seven positions have been filled through the civilianisation of the Defence Forces. Everyone will agree that the professionalism of the Irish Army today renders it unrecognisable from days gone by. Everyone in the Army wants to play his or her part and seeks promotion, within the confines of his or her qualifications. What is evident is a drawback and I would like to see greater progress. There has been much progress in the civilianisation of Garda positions which has made a huge difference. There should be greater drive with regard to the Defence Forces and its representative bodies. Agreement was reached on providing for this in the pay agreement and modernisation agenda. Surely it is fair to assume the delays are being caused by the Department and senior Army personnel. The process is not moving forward at as fast a pace as one might have expected.

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