Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

It is not an exaggeration to say that there is a major crisis in our Defence Forces with regard to pay, retention and conditions. There is also a crisis of low morale and non-recognition of army personnel regarding PDFORRA. Large numbers of members of the Defence Forces are leaving. Many of my constituents in Dublin Mid-West are in the Defence Forces. I know from them that the force morale is extremely low. It was incredible that in September 2018, many Deputies joined members of the Defence Forces in a protest about pay and conditions. It is indicative that serving and retired members of the Defence Forces have to protest against the Department. PDFORRA has also had to bring the Department to court with regard to basic pay and the working time Act. It is indicative of what the Department is doing to the Defence Forces.

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