Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach needs to give that assurance. We must find additional places in very tight situations in that scenario. I will get to the matter raised in Questions Nos. 6 and 7. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his indulgence. It has been an unusual day. The work to be carried out by the external company that is now coming in must not go on for too long because if it does, we could have another issue. That must not happen. I want to know the detail of the second error because it is a direct error by the Department. It does not matter if something is outsourced; an error is an error. This has been one of the worst days I have ever spent in this House. It is appalling for the students.

On the issue raised in Questions Nos. 6 and 7, the previous Government had a special Cabinet committee on defence and security matters but the current Government does not. Why not? Pay, allowances, recruitment, retention and career progression are among the six proposed issues listed to be dealt with in the context of the commission on the Defence Forces which is included in the programme for Government. Through which Cabinet subcommittee will that commitment be met? It was reported in August that personnel were leaving the Naval Service to join the Army because its allowances and conditions are better. This has to be dealt with. Does the Government intend to bring in emergency pay measures to address the problems that have been outlined? Will there be progress on these matters in the budget? Core pay is a significant issue in terms of retaining personnel. When will we see the terms of reference of the commission? Under what Cabinet committee is it being dealt with?

My colleague, Senator Wall, who is very passionate on defence issues, has raised the issue of honouring the soldiers involved in the siege of Jadotville. As the Taoiseach is aware, a campaign has been waged for a number of years to acknowledge and honour those soldiers for their amazing actions in the siege in 1961. Is that being considered by the Government? Will the Taoiseach make a statement on the matter?

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