Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Does the Minister of State deny that conditions of poverty are widespread among low-paid members of the Defence Forces and their families? There is a great deal of evidence to indicate that is the case, but I am interested in the Minister of State's answer and whether he continues to be shameless on the question. The underlying issue is trade union rights, in particular the right to organise and associate. The INMO and the PNA have shown how public sector workers can win concessions through organisation and industrial action, but that basic right to organise is denied to members of the Defence Forces. The retired soldier Anthony Bolger who has protested in favour of increased pay for the Defence Forces notes that members of the Defence Forces are not allowed to speak in public, bargain collectively or assemble for protest. As a consequence, their position is being represented by their families and retired soldiers. While that task is being undertaken very well by the WPDF, members of the Defence Forces should not have to rely on it and should instead have the right to organise into their own trade union to negotiate with the Government.

See this speech in context