Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are competing against a buoyant economy with full employment. The trend over many years has been that, when the country has full employment, the Defence Forces suffer. It will be of concern to the Deputy, and all Members, that we are preparing a detailed submission and argument for the next round of the public service pay talks. The Defence Forces are a unique organisation. I am looking to make sure that we have everything credible ready for the next round of talks. That is part of the implementation plan that was a part of the independent pay commission report.

See this speech in context