Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was not aware that members of PDFORRA were in the Gallery. I apologise for not having recognised their attendance earlier. Their presence is very much appreciated. They represent their members extremely well, and there is very good dialogue between my Department and PDFORRA.

Senators spoke about spending money on equipment and not on personnel. I point out that I do not set the payscales for members of the Irish Defence Forces. I wish to make that very clear in the House. Payscales are set by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Public Service Pay Commission. I will make no apologies whatsoever for spending the millions of euro we are spending on equipment in barracks because if we do not have a well-equipped defence force, we might as well have none.