Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to deal with the two elements in the motion before us, which the Labour Party will be supporting. The first element on joint procurement of satellite communications makes sense to me, providing for efficient procurement, economies of scale and all that goes with it. There is no cost to us unless we decide to purchase. I do not see any downside to that aspect of the motion.

The second element relating to training in improvised explosive devices also makes sense to me. I would certainly see providing access to training as being attractive to the personnel themselves. In any organisation, people tend to jump at an opportunity to enhance their skills level. I believe this will also be positive. This element appears to cost us €450,000. The Minister of State has indicated that will come from existing resources. However, if something comes from existing resources, a pot somewhere is reduced with less funding available for some element of the budget. I would be happier not to see a budget cut for some line element associated with this.

Earlier I met the people outside the gates of Leinster House. In his earlier contribution, Deputy Howlin identified the need for a special review of pay for Defence Forces personnel. I thought the Tánaiste's response was reasonably positive in terms of taking advice from the Minister of State at the Department of Defence. I call for it again today. It is a scandal that Defence Forces personnel are relying on family income supplement, a matter I have raised previously in defence debates.

Overall, I do not see any downside to the two elements in the motion. As I said at the beginning, the Labour Party will support it.

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