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

What does the Taoiseach mean he cannot confirm it? He is the Minister for Defence. He is in charge of the Army, the Navy and the Air Corps. Why can he not confirm that story? It was revealed early this morning. We have learned there was an emergency meeting on this in Haulbowline last Friday between the Chief of Staff, the assistant chief of staff and the flag officer commanding.

By the way, there was no denial this morning by the Naval Service. There was a carefully worded statement but no denial. Why can the Taoiseach not confirm this? Did he not get on the telephone? Did he not talk to the Secretary General of his Department and ask the simple question: "Is it the case that two ships could not set sail because we could not crew them?" The Taoiseach is failing and continues to fail the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces climate survey last year was a warning to everybody. This is not about departures or high turnover. That is lovely language, language that masks the reality of a critical lack of morale among members of the Defence Forces. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive response from the Government, not just parking the issue and using the Public Service Pay Commission as a way of dismissing them and saying, "Sure we know you're not going to stay too long anyway. Sure won't you all leave eventually?" What faith and respect in the Defence Forces emanate from that language? It is a proud force. People have had long careers in the Army. One can travel to locations throughout the country where families have pride in being members of the Army and serving overseas.

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