Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Again, it is as if the Army has not got a specific case to make. I do not think the Minister is hearing what has been said. Part of the problem is that the Taoiseach has a full-time job as Taoiseach of the country and yet he assigned to himself also the Department of Defence. The Minister of State at the Department of Defence is not an adequate replacement for a Cabinet ministerial role. I will not repeat the comments made by Commandant Berry about the leadership in the Department but suffice to say it was scathing. Is it not now time for a Minister for Defence to be created that has Cabinet rank? It cannot be a job-sharing role for the Taoiseach. Will the Minister accept that? In the unique circumstances now where morale in the Defence Forces generally has all but evaporated and any confidence in Government policy is gone, will the Minister accept the Government needs to take control again to rebuild confidence in our Defence Forces and assure people that the words uttered of appreciation for their fantastic role is matched by actions?

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