Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the motion. It is important that this motion is agreed to ensure that the history and stoicism of the Defence Forces are protected now and for future generations. It only takes a simple glance at the Defence Forces website, news outlets or the history books to see the long and proud history of our forces. As many Members will know, I am a passionate advocate for the Defence Forces and I have always used my influence and voice to champion the cause of the Defence Forces community in Kildare and nationally. The call to serve one's country is something that cannot be matched. We are very privileged and honoured to serve our country within the Houses of the Oireachtas but having the opportunity to serve the country within the Defence Forces is an equal honour.

I regularly meet with active and retired members of the Defence Forces, as well as representative bodies, and I am always amazed by their sense of duty, national pride and their commitment to the State and its people. I mention PDFORRA in particular. Its members are an incredible group of people and the work they do representing their men and women on the ground is exemplary. Óglaigh na hÉireann is a remarkable organisation that has its roots deep in the fabric of this nation. We have all heard stories of the dedication of its members. Many of us have great affection and respect for members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, both past and present.

Hailing from south Kildare, our role and involvement in the defence community is something that we hold very dear to our hearts. Many communities in south Kildare rely heavily on members of the Defence Forces, who serve not only our communities but our nation with distinction. The Curragh Camp is home to 2,000 military personnel and is the main training centre for the Irish Defence Forces. People choose to enter Óglaigh na hÉireann to serve this State, in order to further the cause of the Irish people, and to pledge their support for our nation. That is why they enlist, put themselves in harm's way and sacrifice so much. They do this in the service of the State and the flag. As legislators, we must ensure that what they do, which they do solely in the name of this State, is sacrosanct - not in the name of a fringe group or an alternative military force or anything else. They deserve the respect of a legally protected title and that is what the Bill does. It is of concern that the title is not protected. This legislation will make it an offence to use the terms "Óglaigh na hÉireann" or "Defence Forces" in any context other than where it applies to the Defence Forces in this country. We cannot allow any organisation, political party or militia group usurp that title for its own cause.

The defence community serves on the shoulders of its predecessors. They serve at the pleasure of this State and they advance a long, proud and dignified history of Óglaigh na hÉireann. They are building on the legacy of heroes gone before them. The main issue being addressed by the Bill is that there is only one Irish defence force, made up of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. Without this Bill, there would be no legislation stopping anyone using the term. This legislation is needed to stop the use of the title in any context other than referencing the legal actions and structure of the Irish Defence Forces. The Bill proposes the amendment of the Defence Act 1954 and will add a new section, which will ensure that it is an offence for anyone, without lawful authority, to establish a body of any description which uses either of the titles, "Óglaigh na hÉireann" or "Defence Forces". Senator Malcolm Byrne has referenced this. Any person found guilty of this offence may be charged with a class D fine.

I am pleased to see that the Bill does have exemptions for a variety of reasons for historical use of the term to former members of the Defence Forces. It is also welcome that it does not apply to veterans' organisations of the Permanent Defence Force or representative associations of other ranks such as PDFORRA, which I mentioned, that represents in excess of 6,500 members of the Defence Forces. Likewise, the Bill does not apply to the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO. Both organisations are highly important in representing the rights and interests of those who serve Ireland under the Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces have been under-resourced, ignored and have not always been shown the respect they deserve. The report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which was unveiled recently, is very welcome. We need to hear the thoughts of the Minister on the recommendations that are made in the report and they must be implemented. The Bill is one aspect of showing the respect that is needed and deserved, and in enshrining the hard-fought legacy in the Statute Book.

I reiterate my calls in the Seanad for a permanent pay review body to be established as an absolute priority. It is hard to speak of issues relating to the Defence Forces and not point out the glaring resource issues and pay and conditions for personnel. That includes the opportunity for them to join the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU. That is really important.

The implementation of the findings of the Commission on the Defence Forces must be tackled and commenced. We must deal with the cultural issues that were raised and we must support personnel at every stage of the transformation agenda. I will fight to ensure the recommendations are implemented and that the defence community in south Kildare and throughout the country is shown the respect it deserves.

ICTU membership is a vital component that needs to be addressed. Without the right of affiliation we risk excluding the very people we wish to include from talks on vital pay and conditions. However, to return specifically to the Bill at hand, we must honour, support and respect the Defence Forces. I will finish with a direct quote from the Defence Forces:

Since its inception the Defence Forces, Óglaigh na hÉireann, have faithfully maintained a strong ethos and a set of values that have ensured a continuous and exemplary level of professionalism at home and abroad. The Defence Forces ethos of continued volunteer service to the State and the six values of respect, loyalty, selflessness, physical courage, moral courage and integrity form the bedrock of the organisation and are central to our effectiveness. They are fundamental to sustaining Óglaigh na hÉireann as a steadfast pillar of the Irish State.

Only one organisation can be associated with these values, this ethos and this service to our people, that is, Óglaigh na hÉireann, our Defence Forces. I am very happy to second the motion.