David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the flexibility shown by the Cathaoirleach in this matter. I welcome the Supreme Court judgment in the Callely case, which vindicated the honour of the Seanad. When there has been time to examine the case, more will be said on the matter in the House. Yesterday was a good day as it vindicated the Seanad in this matter.

As it is human rights day, I propose to raise a serious human rights issue which pertains to the Department of Defence. The Department instituted a ruling in 1994 that recruits had to reach the rank of sergeant in their 21 year term of service or, failing that, they would be automatically removed from the service. This was an attempt to create efficiencies in the Defence Forces. The ruling was completed and confirmed in 2006 just before the bubble burst. An embargo on recruitment introduced almost simultaneously made it very difficult for Defence Forces personnel, even those with 15 or 20 years service, to attain the rank of sergeant. This was no fault of their own as an embargo was placed on promotion. The measure amounts to appalling discrimination, particularly as officers have been shown flexibility in this area.

The lowest paid, most vulnerable and weakest members of the Defence Forces have been treated in a highly arbitrary and callous fashion. Many of the men and women in question have served the country with distinction in peacekeeping forces, regularly pass fitness tests and are a credit to the country. They were not advised of this flaw in their contracts and have not been given any skills for civilian employment. In early middle age, about 500 of them are being forced out of the system, which is wrong and a reproach to the State, particularly given that the age limits were recently extended for commissioned officers.

I ask that the Leader write to the Minister for Defence requesting that the position be reviewed because it is a gross injustice on young and vulnerable people, many of whom have mortgages and families to support. They are being thrown onto the market without being provided with any skills by the Defence Forces. This is wrong and I hope the House will register a strong protest or have a short debate on the issue. Will the Leader ask the Minister to come to the House and answer questions about the treatment of people who serve our country with great bravery and distinction?