Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I join the Minister in thanking the Defence Forces and the Garda for the manner in which they policed and managed the past week's events, the Queen's visit and the visit by President Obama yesterday. The dignity they brought to the ceremonies involving their predecessors in the Garden of Remembrance and at Islandbridge showed that they are the true Óglaigh na hÉireann. Those who steal that badge and refuse to give it due credence were shown for what they were last week by the magnificent role played by the Defence Forces in particular. I noted the manner in which the Defence Forces were able to perform a wide range of professional duties, which shows the talents we have in our relatively small Permanent Defence Force and the skills available to it. Its work was done in good humour and with good grace throughout the week.

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