Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Once again, it is welcome that expenditure is constantly monitored by the Minister's military personnel. It is also welcome that Defence Forces numbers have been fixed at 9,500. I would like to remind the Minister of the responses he gave to parliamentary questions approximately two months ago. Does he agree that he accepted on that occasion that military personnel went way above and beyond the call of duty at an early stage in meeting the demand for reform of the public service? Does he agree that he also accepted on that occasion that many members of the Defence Forces were receiving family income supplement, which is a clear indication that their incomes are very low? Does he, therefore, accept that he did not stand up to the mark as he intimated he would on that occasion - at least, that is my understanding of what he intimated - by defending the members of the Defence Forces? Does he accept that the 10% cut in allowances announced shortly after we last discussed this matter will have a very adverse impact on rank and file soldiers?

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