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

When the most recent EU Council meeting took place on 15 December, it was the last one that Deputy Micheál Martin attended as Taoiseach. Many of the issues discussed that day are still present today. It was so important that he participated in showing how much unity the EU has on all these issues. The Council addressed the war in Ukraine and listened to President Zelenskyy on the immediate needs and state of play. It is, therefore, important to say that there are significant issues on moving fast enough with our promises.

I ask the Minister of State to address the issue of those looking to provide services and accommodation to local authorities for our Ukrainian refugees. I know of many property owners who can accommodate refugees but, despite my interventions, still await action to arrange this. There seems to be a block in the system. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State would examine the matter in order to free up the backlog. We all remain very committed to supporting Ukraine as much as we can. This European Council meeting has confirmed and reinforced the decisions in this process but we must be realistic. We are at a stage where we cannot find homes for those who need them. Many people are sleeping on the street - that issue will always come up - even though all of us are committed to helping out any way we can.

I am also concerned that in our kindness and eagerness to support refugees at this time there is a communication mishap, especially if there is any negativity. That is so important. We are here to help and to do our best. The biggest issue facing us as Deputies is that we are not being informed when refugees or those seeking international protection are coming so we can offer whatever assistance we need in order to help on the ground. It is important that we are there but, again, communication is a significant issue.

I commend the European Council on expressing its condolences to the family of the Irish soldier, Seán Rooney, at its meeting. Private Rooney lost his life while with the UN operating in Lebanon. I extend my sympathy to his family and colleagues, in addition to the victims of and those injured in the accident. Last week, the Tánaiste was adamant that those responsible for the killing of Private Rooney must be brought to justice. I totally agree with his sentiments. Carlow has a long history of sending soldiers to Lebanon. Private Rooney's untimely death was mourned in that county, as it was throughout the country.

This month, more than 200 military officers and enlisted personnel in the Defence Forces were conferred with an academic award by the South East Technological University, SETU. It was great to see the future of our peacekeeping so vibrant. It was the first SETU conferring for Defence Forces personnel. It was great to see them receive their awards in person for the first time since 2019. In fact, this ceremony was the largest annual military graduation in the State from a higher education institution. Due to the nature of their military service, some had to have their awards accepted on their behalf as some of them are currently serving in Lebanon, Mali and other locations overseas. They are doing such important work. I wish all who serve in our Defence Forces well. I wish them safety in their jobs. I support the many calls to address the inadequate pay, pensions and conditions for members of our Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.

A recent question tabled by a colleague revealed that 591 people had left the Defence Forces and only 300 had been recruited. We have to address this and we have to ask why. When will the State implement the technical pay agreement agreed in July 2019? The EU working time directive does not apply to the Defence Forces. I hear so many stories of this and, of course, the huge number of hours. I also regularly meet Defence Forces families in my clinics, whose members earn such low wages they qualify for the State's working family payment supports. This is unacceptable. We should show our unity in this House on this matter and find solutions in order that we can support the growth of this career path for citizens who wish to pursue it.

It is important to wish everyone well today. We are so lucky that we have such great Defence Forces. It is so important that the issue of pay, conditions and proper wages will be addressed arising from today's debate.

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