John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the request made by Senator McFadden in respect of the pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces. Having spoken to many in the Defence Forces and having had family members serve therein, I am acutely aware of the pride members of the Defence Forces take in representing their country at home and abroad and of the outstanding service they give. Their pay and conditions are totally out of kilter with the service they provide. In emergencies, whether associated with flooding or other events, members of the Defence Forces are not getting anything comparable to what is received by other members of the emergency forces. This needs to be changed. So many members of the Defence Forces are leaving. Recruitment is not even keeping pace with the dropout rate. I could not believe it recently when I heard that if a member of the Defence Forces volunteers for a mission abroad, he or she has no control over where he or she is placed after coming back, after six months or a year. He or she could be stationed in Cork before going and in Donegal on his or her return. This is a problem for families. I am not fully aware whether there is a rule in this regard in the Defence Forces but it needs to be addressed. This matter requires serious attention and, as a result, I support the call made by Senator McFadden.