Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The fact we hear stories about members of the Defence Forces having to sleep in cars, or that someone who is employed by the State and engaged in such critical work is unable to afford to live on their wages, is a scandal. Both this and previous Governments have ignored representations from my colleagues and members of the Defence Forces regarding the pay and conditions under which they work. Last Saturday we were told make some noise for front-line workers. This, in itself, was great idea to show our appreciation, as a people and as a country, for the unbelievable work done by the front-line workers.

Workers such as those in the Defence Forces need more than a clap or people standing up and thanking them for their work. They need proper pay and conditions. During the Covid-19 crisis they stood up and when the country was in its greatest need, front-line workers as well as those in the Defence Forces did everything they could to look after the most vulnerable in society and keep the country going.

I welcome today's announcement that there might be another public pay agreement. However, will the Government allow union representation in the Defence Forces to be part of those pay discussions? They should be included and I am asking the Minister to give that commitment. Will they be allowed to affiliate to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions? In the past, members of this Government and previous Governments have campaigned and lobbied for the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces. We now have a new Government. I was on the picket line with the Debenhams workers 152 days ago when the dispute started. Members of other political parties were standing protesting with those Debenhams workers. However, with this party now in government, those Members have gone missing in action. Will those Members who stood up for those in the Defence Forces in the past stand up now and support them?

The Naval Service is short 211 personnel, with 139 leaving last year. The Army is short 704 personnel, with 655 leaving last year. The Air Corps is short 162 personnel, with 88 leaving last year. Today I rang a member of my club who is in the Defence Forces and asked him if he wanted me to raise anything. He asked why people in the Defence Forces must have two jobs to raise a family and pay a mortgage. They are working as barmen and doormen, and are delivering pizzas because they cannot live on the wages they get in the Defence Forces. That needs to be addressed.

See this speech in context