Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much appreciate that all members of the Irish Defence Forces put their lives on the line when they join the Defence Forces. I have no doubt the gentleman in question, who was a member of the Defence Forces for 12 years, served the country and the State extremely well.

On foot of Senator Bradford's personal representations and interest in this case, I will ask my officials to contact the Senator directly to arrange such a meeting in due course. If the gentleman in question would like to attend the meeting with Senator Bradford, I have no problem with that. I am not sure if the issue can be progressed but at least the door would not have been closed. We do not close the door on anybody's face on any occasion. We are talking about people and the life of a person with a disability, who feels he has been reneged upon.

I will ask my officials to contact the Senator to arrange that meeting. I am not sure if I will be available myself, but I will talk to my officials before that meeting and explain to them Senator Bradford's pleadings today. We will treat this case in a very sympathetic manner.