Dáil debates

Thursday, 7 November 2019

Ceisteanna - Questions - Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions

Army Bomb Disposals Data

11:00 am

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister of State admitted there is a challenge and that he is aware of the serious skills shortage in the Army bomb disposal unit. While he is maintaining the headline that the unit is available 24-7, he has admitted it is below strength. The personnel are underpaid. The pay commission report does nothing to prevent from leaving those who should be staying. That is the real outcome of the report. There is now a vacuum in training and the skill set. While personnel are being trained, the experienced personnel in place will never be replaced.

There is a clear example from the coalface of the real outcome of the pay commission report. There are large numbers leaving the Army bomb disposal unit because they are being paid less than they would receive in the private sector. The Minister of State has not addressed the retention difficulties. The personnel are on pre-discharge leave. The Army bomb disposal unit will face a serious challenge if the exodus continues. The Minister of State needs to do more than simply read out the same waffle we have heard for years. It is the same White Paper waffle we have heard for years when it comes to the pay commission report. The reality on the ground is that the exodus is continuing. Specialist supports are diminishing and the capability of the Army bomb disposal unit to respond will be undermined if the Minister of State continues to keep his head in the sand.

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