John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It would be useful and helpful for the Minister to give a timeframe on when he anticipates the review will be carried out just to give clarity to the representative bodies and the members of the Defence Forces who have that date hanging over them. Morale in the Defence Forces is at an all-time low, unfortunately, and the matter must be addressed. Giving clarity around the review would certainly be helpful.

I have stated that we live in a changed world, particularly when it comes to fitness levels and nutrition, etc. All of this has changed. The rationale given to changing the contract in 1994 has been altered and I am sure that will feed into the review process being undertaken. The difficulties in the contracts for the Defence Forces cannot be overstated and there is a grave lack of experience. The number of NCOs and officers with lengthy experience is at an all-time low and this is having a negative impact on morale. I would appreciate it if the Minister could give us some clarity on this.

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