Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. He has indicated there have been repeated questions from Members in this respect. Does he accept that in times of economic difficulty there was always a tendency for the Defence Forces to become victims of financial constraints? Given the reliance on them in the past 12 months, in particular, does the Minister agree that it is imperative that we ensure we retain the maximum level of equipment and personnel in order to provide the civil authorities with the necessary backup, as required, whether in assisting the fire fighting service in flood relief work or in attending to any of the many and varied duties they have been called upon to carry out?

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