Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The recommissioned officers may only be offered a substantive appointment after three years. The arrangements provide an appropriate balance between the recognition of those who currently serve in the Air Corps and operational requirements while, at the same time, being fair to those who want to return to service. I have the full support of the military management from the General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the Air Corps and right up to the Chief of Staff on this re-entry policy. It was due to their idea that we came up with this and it is a fantastic idea. We are 33 pilots short at the moment so if there are pilots who are former members of the Air Corps and are willing to come back then I welcome them back into the organisation.

Border security is a matter for An Garda Síochána. As Senators will know, the security of the island of Ireland is a matter for An Garda Síochána and it is as an aid to the civil power that we respond to An Garda Síochána.

We are carrying out all of our work with the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency. Recently an accusation was put to me that the agency was unhappy with our patrol days. In 2018, almost 100% of the requests that the agency made to us were granted. Of course, there are times when we are unable to comply for various reasons.

Senator McFadden spoke about the pay commission. This is a fully independent pay commission and I am allowing it to do its work. There was a full joint submission made to the pay commission by civil and military management. I understand that the pay commission is interviewing members of the Defence Forces at the moment. It will continue to do that job of work over the coming period. As I stated in my opening address, there will be an opportunity for civil and military management to address the pay commission, which I asked for. Management will be given the opportunity and I gave that data in my opening few words.

It is very disingenuous to say that loads of people are in receipt of family income supplement. That is not the case, which I stated in this House the other day and I repeat it here again. I have stated that I will work with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the pay commission to make sure that we finalise this matter as quickly as possible. Whatever job of work that they require and need, I would rather that we gave them the space and opportunity to do that work.

I have addressed the issue mentioned by the Sinn Féin Senator with my comments. Specifically, Senator Higgins spoke about a multi-role vessel. That is in White Paper and in the programme for Government. Work is continuing and we will continue to work on the matter.