Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Two errors have been discovered in the calculated grading system.

Are we satisfied that there are no other errors? Is there a possibility that this new expertise and review might, in fact, turn up other problems or errors?

The Taoiseach said the objective of keeping the information to themselves was to prioritise contact with students. What has been the nature of that contact? There has been none. The Taoiseach said they were putting students first. I believe the Department is establishing a helpline today. Is that happening today? The Taoiseach might clarify that for us. We need at least some sense now that the information is in the public domain that it is two errors and no more. The Taoiseach needs to give that assurance to people today.

The pay, conditions and accommodation of the serving Defence Forces is, as the Taoiseach will be aware, a long-running issue. Wives and partners of members of the Defence Forces have been put in the terrible position of having to campaign for fair pay and treatment for their families. Last year, the executive council of congress agreed in principle the application by Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, for affiliation as an associate member of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and that further discussions were necessary to bring the matter to a conclusion. The then Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Deputy Kehoe, stated in the Dáil that he was giving the ICTU affiliation careful consideration taking into account all the concerns, specifically those of military management and the Chief of Staff who had written to him. Has there been any progress on these matters within Government?

The Taoiseach will also be aware of the criticism of the previous Government to adequately progress the high-level implementation plan. What focus has the Cabinet committee given to the implementation plan and what approach will it take to expedite its delivery? Specifically, what is the committee's view of what the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers described as the unsustainably high level of staff turnover, which last year reached 10.5%. In July, the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, warned that despite Government commitments to boost numbers, they have fallen to an all-time low of 8,485 personnel. RACO attributed the fall in numbers to poor conditions of service, low rates of pay and outstanding pay issues. Accommodation is also a significant concern. I have seen at first hand these dire conditions. What focus is the committee giving to all these critical issues?

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