Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. He is right to mention the primary role the Defence Forces play and carry out with distinction. We all feel a great sense of pride, which we have been talking about in the Houses this afternoon, when we see our troops abroad. I think of our UNIFIL colleagues in Lebanon and look forward to visiting them shortly. We also see on a local level the difference the men and women of the Defence Forces play in providing aid to the civil authority. When the bad weather comes, such as snow or flooding, their willingness to assist local authorities when requested, coupled with the Civil Defence, which is also vibrant in the Deputy's area, makes a real and positive difference and I know it makes us all proud. That is why we will continue to support the Defence Forces. We need to see transformation and a number of issues need to be addressed, but we also need to continue to invest in recruitment, retention and facilities and we will continue to do that in Kilkenny as well.

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