Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

As peacekeepers, members of the Irish Army are lauded worldwide for their professionalism. In recent years the Defence Forces have undergone major change and reform, unlike many other areas in the public service. The McCarthy report suggested that Defence Forces' personnel numbers should be reduced to 10,000. They now stand at 9,800 and, with natural wastage, the figure will fall below 9,500 this year. The Naval Service has been badly hit by the moratorium on recruitment. The Defence Forces have undergone major reform, yet they are being asked to endure the same cuts as many other public service sectors. Because they are on such low wages, many members of the Defence Forces are currently in receipt of the family income supplement. In other words, we are taking from one Department and are asked to give it back to another one. This House needs to debate the role of the Defence Forces as well as the reduction in personnel. The men and women of the Defence Forces have served this country well since the foundation of the State and they deserve our support. They also deserve a debate in this House on their role and how their numbers are being decimated.

On Tuesday during the statements on banking, I asked the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, to produce the figures on Anglo Irish Bank to allow us to make an informed decision on whether it should be wound down. I asked him about the European Commission's rulings on NAMA, especially concerning vesting bodies and what the Revenue Commissioners can or cannot do. The Minister of State would not and could not answer those questions during the debate. We need clarification on these matters which are of urgent national importance. We must have the figures on the table and Ministers should be able to answer our questions.