James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have an opportunity to speak on the degradation of our honourable Defence Forces. I thank Deputy Jack Chambers for his tremendous work in this area. Members of the Defence Forces give loyal and determined service to this country. Irish people have great respect for their commitment. I believe the Defence Forces deserve the best supports they can be given. The number of people serving in the Defence Forces has been allowed to fall below 9,000. Morale among members is on the floor. There is a major issue with pay and conditions. Many members of the Defence Forces feel they have been abandoned. My Fianna Fáil colleagues have spoken about the unacceptable conditions under which Defence Forces personnel must operate. I want to be associated with the remarks they have made in defence of such personnel. One of the specific failings in the Defence Forces is the lack of a permanent psychiatrist. Many reports have referred to the poor pay and conditions in the Defence Forces. The level of pay on offer is a clear difficulty in attracting a psychiatrist. I understand the pay grade of the position is at lieutenant colonel level, which attracts approximately half of the salary that a psychiatrist position in the HSE would attract. If one is advertising for a position and offering just half of the salary being offered by the HSE, one cannot be surprised when one receives no applications. The members of the Defence Forces are under significant mental strain in the normal course of their duties. They operate in strenuous circumstances and often in dangerous environments. Post-traumatic stress disorder, which is common among soldiers, is treatable but requires early intervention. The availability of a psychiatrist to assist soldiers at the earliest point is of critical importance. A research document, Workplace Climate in the Defence Forces, identified the significant stress and strain under which soldiers are operating. The current low staffing levels place an additional strain on the members of the Defence Forces. When will the Defence Forces be shown the proper respect they deserve?

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