John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The 700 members of the Defence Forces on post-1994 contracts and their families need clarity in terms of the report that has been carried out but they also need the right decision to be made. The Minister has previously stated and given a commitment that he would make a decision before the year end. I note the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is also part of those discussions. Having listened to some of the Minister's commentary, there seems to be a row-back in terms of that commitment to make a decision - the right decision - before the end of the year. Can he outline the conversations that are taking place with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and can he recommit that a decision will be taken before the year end on this important issue?

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