Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I realise that the Leader has many commitments in trying to organise the business of this House. It is not easy to get everything that everybody wants. However, on a number of occasions, I have asked for the Minister for Defence to come before us in order that we might discuss the current state of the Defence Forces. One of issues of immediate concern is that the Defence Forces annual report used to be published in May or June. Matters have been allowed to slide to the point where it is now late October before it is published. This constrains any discussion or debate on that report at the annual conference of the representative bodies. That is totally unfair. The Defence Forces are in a serious state. The climate survey shows that. We have seriously unhappy people in our Defence Forces and, in light of the job they do, that is grossly unfair.They need to be treated better than they are. There is recruitment to the Defence Forces, which is to be encouraged. I ask that the Minister be brought before the House. Not only do we need to talk to him about the climate survey; we also need to hear what plans are being put in place in the event that there is the re-establishment of Border controls. The Leader and I both know that the moment a camera is installed at a Border crossing anywhere in the country, some security measures will be required to protect it. While I understand the Minister is probably busy and that the Leader has a lot on his plate, I ask that we have such a debate and that we be notified in good time in order that we will be able to prepare for it.