Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I met serving and retired Defence Forces members who articulated the concerns I have outlined this morning. I do not believe it is a case of "negativity being articulated". The fact of the matter is there are outstanding issues which have gone on for too long. There is demoralisation, a sense of feeling demoralised and a strong sense of frustration. These matters must be addressed in order to promote our Defence Forces more, as they should be. To make it more positive, these issues must be addressed because they are affecting retention of military personnel. It is demoralising for them. We must admit that there is a problem. I am here to represent those people who have told me there are problems in the constituency and to try to get resolutions. The Minister said to another Deputy that he would take action if the process dragged on. I wish to have clarity regarding the Minister's comment that he would take decisions or action. Did he mean he will implement a timeframe to try to bring this to a resolution so we can increase morale in the Defence Forces and get this resolved?

See this speech in context