Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take the concerns the Deputy raised but the EU and UK have recognised that the open border on the island of Ireland has been essential to peace and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. There is no planning for infrastructure at the Border. In the normal course of events, the Defence Forces carry out analysis and background research into contingencies and this is no surprise. The Deputy spoke about members of the Defence Forces returning to the Border. That is not the case and that is not being envisaged. In the context of security and research, with regard to the Border or otherwise internally in the Defence Forces, it is important that we carry out due diligence.

With regard to the pay and conditions issues raised by the Deputy, the Public Service Pay Commission is looking at this specific issue. A joint military and civil submission was made to the commission in December. I hope we will have an outcome in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2019.

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