Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I mentioned the ONE campaign because it was a powerful statement which, in its blunt starkness, highlighted the extent to which our Defence Forces veterans and current servicemen feel left on the periphery. I have previously raised the issue of the wages of Defence Forces personnel being far below what they ought to be, with some members paid close to minimum wage for work that deserves far more. That work requires great discipline and sacrifice by the personnel and their loved ones. I have raised this issue on multiple occasions and will continue to so do until the members of the Defence Forces are given the respect they deserve, which is most reflected by how much they are paid and their conditions of employment. The increased funding allocated over the past two years went towards ICT, military hardware and equipment upgrades in many ways. Those upgrades are very important, but the real need for funding is in the area of pay and wages. Not enough is being done. There is no light at the end of the tunnel for members of our Defence Forces, as highlighted by the recent campaigns.

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