Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, indeed, and I will meet you there.

I proudly say that I think of Captain Marie Carrigy, my cousin, who read the Proclamation on Easter Sunday outside the GPO last year. As a family we were extremely proud of her serving in our Defence Forces and of the role she plays. I think of all our soldiers overseas, the 352 troops of the 119th Infantry Battalion who went to serve in the Lebanon last October, those who served in Israel, Syria, Mali, Congo, Bosnia, Kosovo and in various other military representations around the world, and all those who fought and died serving with our Defence Forces.

I thank the Minister for the commitment he has given to maintaining and bringing our Defence Forces up to an agreed strength of 9,500, which is extremely difficult but I welcome the commitment given by Government to doing that and bringing in schemes to incentivise people to join our Defence Forces. I was struck by Senator O'Loughlin's comment, and she is 100% right, when she said we need to honour, respect and support our Defence Forces. That is what the Minister and the Government are going to do. I want to give my support. There is only one Óglaigh na hÉireann and that is those who serve in our Defence Forces of the State.