Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is time for a massive programme of reform of the Defence Forces. When Fianna Fáil was in opposition, we called for the establishment of a commission on defence in a motion passed by the Dáil in 2019 and this was an election manifesto commitment for us in 2020 because we knew that there was no clear strategy on what we want for our Defence Forces or on how to fund them correctly.

We know there are massive issues with pay. The family of a Defence Forces employee came to my clinic seeking housing support recently. The family was in receipt of family income support because their income was so low. We also know there are workplace issues relating to discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces. We acknowledge the Women of Honour and their bravery, courage and commitment in telling of their experiences in a public arena in order to bring about change. We must listen to them. There must be a safe working environment for members of the Defence Forces and that means change. Now that we have this report, we must act to bring about fundamental change.

There is a retention and recruitment crisis, a resource crisis and a pay crisis in the Defence Forces. We spend less than most other European countries on defence and we need to change that. I welcome the fact that the Minister is seeking the view of other key stakeholders on the change that is needed. I look forward to the high-level action plan which I understand will be published this summer. We need to see the establishment of a permanent pay review body. This is a really serious issue. I welcome this report because it gives us the space for a conversation about the defence that we need as a modern European country, including the training required for same. There is a disconnect between State policy and resources and we need to change that and to use common sense here. If we are to be ambitious then we must match that with resources. We must pay our Defence Forces properly and ensure the best working environment possible. Action is needed and it must be swift.

I want to compliment the soldiers based in Kilkenny barracks who do an excellent job. They are proud to be working there and proud to be representing their country but we must support them and their families, whether that is with housing or in other areas. We need to support them. I know a lot of members of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, ONE, in Carlow and urge the Department to ensure that our retired soldiers get adequate support too. The Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council sent a motion to the Minister about service medals for members of the 35th Infantry Battalion who bravely served during the siege of Jadotville. Former soldiers were denied their service medals. Carlow County Council sent a motion to the Minister but they have still been denied their medals. We must be mindful and respectful of our soldiers and our Defence Forces personnel. We must listen to them and work with them.

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