Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Senator O'Toole will not find members of the Defence Forces out striking. However, the members of RACO and PDFORRA are still experiencing difficult times. I appreciate the conversation that the Minister had with me last week, particularly in regard to maintaining numbers in the Defence Forces.

I wish to briefly describe how I feel when I come into the Seanad to pass legislation such as the Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009. There is an air of comfort and security in passing such legislation because our Defences Forces are so finely tuned and professionally run. I thank the Minister for his contributions to our defence. In 2006, I observed from a stand on O'Connell Street as the men and women of the Defence Forces paraded in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. For the first time in my memory, I watched Irish troops marching down O'Connell Street. I was hugely proud of the way they presented themselves to the people.

I do not agree with Senator Doherty in regard to a referendum on neutrality. The Irish nation feels safe because our Defence Forces acquit themselves well as peacekeepers and peace enforcers. I question the need for a referendum on neutrality at this point in our history. I am glad to say there is only one Army in this State. The Defence Forces have an outstanding record.

As a nation, we feel grief and shock when something happens to members of the Defence Forces. Last month, two young Air Corps pilots died in a crash. One was a cadet from County Wexford and the other was an instructor from Dublin. The nation went into mourning at their deaths.

I am delighted to contribute to Second Stage of this Bill and l look forward to debating any amendments that may be proposed.