Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire don phlé anocht agus aithním moltóirí an rúin, na Seanadóirí Malcolm Byrne agus Fiona O'Loughlin.

I will begin by welcoming the Minister and recognising Senators Malcolm Byrne and O'Loughlin for bringing this legislation before us. I accept that the term "Óglaigh na hÉireann" applies to the Defence Forces. While I do not have the same experience of the Defence Forces as others, either in terms of membership or their input into the life of my community and city and the world around me, since coming into this Seanad in 2016, I have always endeavoured to be a champion advocate for the Defence Forces and their needs. I commend, acknowledge and recognise their members' bravery, commitment and service.

I am pretty convinced that this is not the most pressing issue currently facing the Defence Forces. I say respectfully to the proposers that it would have been a much better use of all of our parliamentary time to debate the failures of successive Governments to deal with the real issues facing the Defence Forces around pay and conditions and the lack of supports for veterans and their families.

At a recent visit to the Curragh Camp with colleagues from the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence - I think Senator Wall was there - I heard some stark contributions from soldiers. Some of them told me that they were actively considering leaving the Defence Forces to sign on. Some told me their children were now earning more money than they were. Some also said that despite being fit and healthy, they had aged out and could not longer go overseas with the Defence Forces and thereby modestly increase their money. Those were the issues that were conveyed to me and, I am sure, other colleagues just a few weeks ago.

This Bill is what we are discussing tonight, however. I accept that. That is the issue Fianna Fáil has put before us, as is its prerogative. That is fair enough. On the legislation, I, too, have concerns at this stage around its competency and the Minister referred to his concerns. The term "Óglaigh na hÉireann" is spelled out as the name of the Defence Forces in the Constitution. I accept that and it would seem to me that it affords legal protection.

All that said, I am more than happy to see the Bill move to the next Stage of the legislative process to examine whether it can be amended and improved. The Minister gave a signal of intent to bring forward necessary amendments. I have no doubt, as with many other issues pertaining to the Defence Forces, he will find a willing ear and people willing to co-operate with him right across this Chamber.