Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Okay, I will be very brief. I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I do not deny his or the Government's respect for, or pride in, the Defence Forces. However, the pay commission is taking too long. Some time between 2012 and 2013, I told the Minster of State that technician's pay needed to be reinstated. I raised that with the Minister of the State back then but it still has not been reinstated. I have three very good friends who were technicians in Athlone. Two of those three died and never received that reinstated pay. That is really unfair. The Government could act on duty pay and does not have to wait for the pay commission for that. It is taking too long. We must stop talking about how proud we are in the Army and Defence Forces and start putting our money where our mouth is and start paying them.