Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleague, Senator Kyne, in raising Defence Forces issues. Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending the centenary celebration in Renmore Barracks to honour the 100-year anniversary of the barracks being taken over from the British and the green, white and orange flag being raised. The barracks has always played a huge part in the life of Galway city and in our communities and families. The vast majority of families in Galway city have a close connection to it and have immediate family members or close relatives who served in the barracks at one point or another. Galway is privileged and proud to be an Army town.

It is with regret that I say this morning that the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published last week reflected what all Members are surely aware of, namely, that the Defence Forces have been weakened significantly over the past decade by continued underinvestment. The Defence Forces have lost many of their most experienced and capable members because of inadequate pay and conditions. The morale of the members has been greatly affected. This is not acceptable. It must be and is a priority for the Government. It must be addressed with urgency. This issue cannot be kicked down the road any further. There are a number of other significant issues in the report that must also be tackled, including the need for a greater focus on cybersecurity and enhanced naval capacity.

My colleague, Senator O'Loughlin, raised this matter in the Commencement debate yesterday. The Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, representing the Minister for Defence, Deputy Simon Coveney, said a four to five month timeframe would be necessary to bring a considered and comprehensive proposal back to the Government. I understand there needs to be examination of the report but as far as I am concerned, a five-month delay before coming back with a proposal seems far too long given these issues have been raised continuously with all public representatives for years. Surely the Minister and departmental officials are well briefed on them.I ask the Deputy Leader of the House to raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and to request his attendance before this House at his earliest convenience.