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

I do not think there is anything in the thrust of the motion with which we would disagree. There are major issues in the Defence Forces over morale, pay, conditions and retention of personnel. For far too long the Defence Forces have been forgotten in the public service debate because of their special status. I consider personnel in the Army and the other Defence Forces to be working class like any other worker. There would be outrage if any other set of workers, especially those in the public sector, were treated the way they have been treated, especially in the past five or six years. Some of the conditions they have had to endure have been despicable.

It is good that the Defence Forces are marching. Families of the Defence Forces are highlighting the issue. Deputies are highlighting the issues that the Defence Forces are enduring. It will be interesting. People will look at what the Public Service Pay Commission says. The leaks to date suggest the commission does not go far enough. One recommendation on which we are all likely to agree is that PDFORRA and RACO will be affiliated to ICTU. Members of the Defence Forces should have union representation. Sometimes the issue is that union status is not recognised by the State, preventing them from undertaking collective bargaining for their comrades. It is important that we have this discussion. I hope the Public Service Pay Commission will recommend better pay and conditions for those in our Defence Forces.

See this speech in context