Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge the important work of Defence Forces personnel. I have seen it at first hand with family members directly involved. I firmly believe that Defence Forces infrastructure and equipment must be of a modern standard to meet their operational capabilities and defence responsibilities. I therefore welcome the revised national development plan allocation to upgrade and modernise Defence Forces infrastructure and the fact that planning is being undertaken. I believe a modern progressive Defence Forces with associated equipment and infrastructure would further encourage those who are interested in pursuing a career in the Defence Forces to enlist. I acknowledge that some of these projects are complex and require long lead-in times but I ask the Tánaiste to keep these developments at the forefront of his thinking and that of his Department.

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