John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that the world is changing rapidly and that a new world order is emerging. I join in the condemnation of Israel and agree with those who have spoken eloquently about what is happening in Gaza to the Palestinian people. It is horrific. The world will certainly look back on this period with shame because not enough is being done to stop what is happening. I am not talking about our Government but I am talking about governments collectively throughout the world. It is absolutely horrendous to see Israel getting away with what is happening without, it would appear, any concerted effort on the part of America and the other big countries that take the lead. It is extremely sad and shocking to see what is going on.

On the security side, I just wonder how well prepared we are. I am of the view that we are ill-prepared for anything. We are not a major force in participating in wars or as an army. We need to look at what we are really talking about here. We are mainly peacekeepers. We need to celebrate the achievement of those in the Irish Army in being recognised as peacekeepers. We need to look at the infrastructure that is either there or not there and the training involved. In Kilkenny, we are lucky to have Stephen's Barracks where almost 500 men and women are in training and being prepared as future of members of the Defence Forces. Some investment has taken place over the years, but not enough by a long shot.

We are planning a new medical centre in the barracks to look after those who are going overseas on peace missions or to participate in other matters relative to the workings of a defence force. It is only now that we are putting that in place. The Government still has not made a decision on the appointment of a nurse on site at Stephen's Barracks. It employs, through an agency and no doubt at a higher cost, a nurse for the past decade. In spite of the best attempts being made to rectify this, it has not happened. Every visit of a Minister for Defence to that barracks has been approached in the context of that position.

On the purchase of equipment, we are way behind in terms of modernising our equipment in the context of doing anything, engaging or participating. Equipment is either dated or there is not enough of it. We do not have trained personnel capable of dealing with the newer equipment that is coming on line.

The living quarters in barracks are shocking. A lack of investment over the past ten years has led to these quarters being reduced to nothing but a the provision of basic beds for members of armed forces. Is that what we think of them? We must put this in the context of what we are saying about the terms and conditions of members of the armed forces. We have increased investment from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion up to 2028 but that is a paltry sum in comparison with what is actually needed. When it comes to facilities like Stephen's Barracks in Kilkenny, the Tánaiste should ask what is required for the men and women who are there - all 500 of them - and deliver it without any question.

If you want them to do a job, train them, support them, equip them and make sure their pay and conditions match what they are expected to do. We have failed to do that. That is on the security front in terms of the Army.

On the SME sector and trade, we try to encourage SMEs to get involved with local enterprise offices, upskill their workers, commercialise and internationalise products and services and go through Enterprise Ireland to present on the international stage. Against major opposition commercially, Irish companies have made their mark, and they are to be celebrated for the work they are undertaking. However, they are ill-prepared for the world of commerce today and for what is going to happen tomorrow. We can point to how they were supported during Covid and how they are supported now, but that has nothing to do with the challenges being faced daily by those commercial entities. What is Enterprise Ireland doing over and above what it already does, to support export companies by means of funding? What is it doing to grow the new enterprise companies that will be exporting to a different world very shortly? I would say it is not doing enough.

We need to do more for the local enterprise offices and for Enterprise Ireland in the context of funding and supports to bring them up to speed so they can support the companies to compete. In my constituency, there are companies like Connolly's Red Mills, Glanbia and Sullivan's Brewing Company. There is State Street on the financial services side. There is Cartoon Saloon, security risk advisers and so on. A huge number of companies that are contributing to the export figures are being challenged in a new way to get into various markets. We rightly speak about America. It is a big market, but so Asian markets such as those in China and Taiwan. What are we doing to develop those markets? Let us not be hypocrites about Taiwan. There are 24 million people there. There is a One China policy, and I respect it. I understand it, and so do the Taiwanese people. However, we have a kind of taboo about that. We need to lift it and ensure we have a presence there so we can access the Asian markets and do the best we can to support the companies we have out there. If something should go wrong in the south east for example, between 9,000 and 10,000 jobs are at risk. Approximately 2,500 jobs would be at risk in County Kilkenny. That is to do with exports of whiskey and all sorts of goods and services. Quite frankly, I do not think we are prepared.

I will make a final point to highlight the basic necessities of trade. Listen to the Irish Road Haulage Association. We have no State-controlled quality certification for diesel. Hauliers are getting a blended mix of diesel into their trucks, which is causing huge maintenance problems. The latter give rise to further problems with cover with manufacturers should anything go wrong. We are doing nothing about it except imposing more taxes on them. We need to get to the basics right and take the steps necessary to be prepared, because we are not prepared by a long shot for security or for trade.

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