Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The new public service pay commission has been tasked with objective analysis and advice on the most appropriate pay levels for the public service. This will include members of the Defence Forces and I welcome that. I also welcome the fact the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association signed up to the Lansdowne Road agreement last week. This will mean benefits for members of the Defence Forces. That they are recognised for their work and commitment to the Defence Forces is something in which I have taken an interest. I will not stand up here and laud it all. I will tell the truth as I see it. When I visit a barracks, I speak to the members to find out their feelings about what is happening.

Deputy O'Loughlin spoke about surveys. A survey was carried out. I am not sure whether it is the specific survey referenced by Deputy O'Loughlin but I will come back to her about it. In respect of a survey that was carried out and UN Security Council Resolution 1235, I attended a conference late last year about women's participation in peacekeeping. Women bring a different perspective to peacekeeping in respect of matters like decision-making capacities. A family-friendly element was introduced to overseas missions to allow members, specifically female members, but also male members on peacekeeping duties to undertake three months instead of six months. I would be the first person to recognise that there are issues regarding female participation. It is and will continue to be a struggle because people see it as a male-dominated organisation.

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