Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The truth of the matter is that recruits are walking out in droves. We have to do something. What is happening with the Garda is in the full glare of the public eye. What is happening in the Defence Forces is hidden behind closed doors. We have bought massive ships but do not have crews to sail them. We are discussing replacing or improving the armoured personnel carrier, APC, fleet but we will not have drivers to drive them. We do not have bomb disposal specialists. The Defence Forces form the second pillar of the security of the State. Unless we take a grip of this situation, we will have no Defence Forces in a couple of years' time. The Taoiseach is the de facto Minister. He has to take responsibility now.