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

I have not changed tack at all. I may be wrong, but this issue has been raised with me previously by the Deputy and other Deputies. There is a process and a procedure in place to deal with issues of this nature. PDFORRA is a party to the agreement I referenced. As I said, issues have been raised by it, issues it is entitled to raise. I do not want to say anything that would prejudice the outcome of the process under way, but I am conscious of the concerns and issues raised which must be addressed in the best interests of the Defence Forces generally and the context of ensuring the overall capacity of the Defence Forces to meet its objectives and provide the services required at home and abroad. This is an ongoing issue. As I said, I do not wish to say anything that would prejudice what is an important process taking place.

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