Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin is going to oppose a proposal for four to six members of the Defence Forces, per year, to participate in an energy management course that will cost €1,500. It is doing so for reasons I do not know. That is Sinn Féin's foreign policy for you. We have 17 installations. The Defence Forces are the biggest users of energy in the public service. Why is there an objection to the Defence Forces participating in an EDA or PESCO programme to learn about energy-saving technologies? Why in the name of God would anyone vote against that? It is a fair question to put to Sinn Féin Members. I ask the same of Deputy Danny Healy-Rae. He made a fair point in his contribution. He should vote in support of it.

Deputy Fitzpatrick referred to pay and benefits, as did Deputy Ward. Significant measures have been implemented in this regard. For the first time, all enlisted members of the Defence Forces are eligible for private healthcare. I introduced that measure as Minister.

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