Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I entirely reject the suggestion that morale is at an all-time low. We have extraordinarily efficient and well-trained Defence Forces. A substantial number of them are undertaking UN duty in southern Lebanon and a member of the Defence Forces is in charge of a UN mission based in Uganda to provide assistance in Somalia. Members of the Defence Forces with particular skill and expertise are in Afghanistan on international UN related duties, and other members of the Defence Forces are based throughout the world. Highly trained members of the Defence Forces have the capacity to come to the aid of the civil power when required and co-ordinate in assisting the Garda Síochána in its important duties relating to the security of the State.

The context of reorganisation and the arrangements being made in that respect are the subject of another question which I will answer shortly, and perhaps I will deal with the issue raised by the Deputy in the context of answering that question.

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