Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and his staff for the work they have done on this very important business. The changes set out in these amendments are necessary, as he stated, and for the betterment of the Defence Forces. It is right and proper at this time for Members of the House to recognise the great work done by our full-time Defence Forces and Reserve personnel and the service they have given over the years, both here and overseas. In particular, I know the Minister will be grateful and thankful for the excellent reputation our Defence Forces have had overseas going back decades and the respectability that they and the Irish flag carry when they go abroad on peacekeeping missions, where they serve for the good of people in places where there is disruption, strife and endangerment to life. Their reputation precedes them when they go abroad. I want to put that on the record.

There is one issue about which I have a concern, as I am sure the Minister and everyone else have. The rates of pay and remuneration for Defence Forces personnel have been a matter of contention at certain times and this is an issue that must be addressed. We need to make the forces attractive for young people who wish to make a career in them, because it is a highly respectable career. I have had the privilege over the years to know people who have served both full-time and in the Reserve. In the village I come from, we have had highly respectable people serving in the Reserve all of their life. It is right and proper to thank those people in a very ordinary and humble way for the service they have given to this country and to other people who needed their help and assistance. They put themselves in harm's way in doing so. For that, the least we should do is say, "Thank you very much".

See this speech in context