Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, the Minister of State distracts from the point by referring to events of ten years ago. We are in the present. The Minister of State needs to take control of defence policy for the future. He is failing those who are working and risking their lives daily. I understand that to allow the ship to sail, the crew was augmented by the cancellation of specialist weapons training. Two instructors and six students were affected. I also understand the ship sailed and is docked at Roche's Point because it has such a skeletal crew that it cannot sail into deep waters to carry out its operational and security tasks.

The Minister of State claimed he cannot discuss the issue because it would compromise military intelligence. That is nonsense. It is just a facade and a barrier to allow him to avoid being held properly accountable to the House on defence policy. Again, he is failing in his duty as Minister of State with special responsibility for defence. Will he stop referring to the Public Service Pay Commission and start doing something about this crisis? The Chief of Staff said he would make a direct plea to the Public Service Pay Commission. That gives rise to questions about the effectiveness of the joined-up approach between the Chief of Staff and the Department. I think the Chief of Staff is losing trust in the Department, the Minister of Sate and the management of this crisis. Our ships cannot even set sail. Members of the Defence Forces are receiving social welfare payments because of the complete failure of this Government to do anything about this recruitment and retention crisis.

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