Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It can only happen if there is a sense of the real crisis within the forces.

I asked the Taoiseach about representation. It would be an important step forward if members of the Defence Forces had negotiating rights, like everyone else has in the modern era. Will the Taoiseach clarify whether the Government is intent on providing for these rights?

On the bigger picture, I put it to the Taoiseach that an overarching commission is needed to examine the future role of the Defence Forces and provide a pathway to restore to them quality of life and dignity and pride in what they do not only in terms of pay and conditions, but also in respect of the overall environment and quality of life they experience as members of the Defence Forces.

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