Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I take note of what the Minister of State has said, but I wish to focus on a number of issues. It is very clear from the survey responses that Defence Forces personnel have become less happy in recent years with their working conditions. There is a very strong perception of a lack of justice in the organisation. It is also clear that there is a disconnect between the expectations of members of the Defence Forces and how they are met. It is particularly disturbing that while 70% of respondents felt loyal to the Defence Forces and its values, only 23% felt obliged not to look for work elsewhere. This means that 77% would consider looking for work elsewhere. I understand it is the intention of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to engage the University of Limerick to conduct a series of focus groups with serving personnel. When will these focus groups commence? What is the schedule and when will a report be delivered to the implementation monitoring group?

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