Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I was not aware that I would have an opportunity to speak. I welcome the sentiment contained in the Bill and I thank the Minister for setting out his concerns clearly in this regard. We live in an era of disinformation and propaganda. In 2014, we saw the Russians elide their activities in Donbas by referring to their own troops as "little green men". Nomenclature is very important. I was a member of Óglaigh na hÉireann and am very proud of my service. It is very important in an era of fake news, propaganda and uncertainty that we should avoid at all costs a situation where any group or grouping might exploit the good name of Óglaigh na hÉireann either to cause confusion, sow dissent or in any way to politicise the identity of that organisation. The Bill is a good proposal. Looking at the Order of Business on my first day, I was particularly interested in it.

I am sure the Minister will not thank me for raising this at the first opportunity but I am aware that the principal concern among my former colleagues is pay and conditions. I know he is very committed to looking at that situation. In order to protect the great institution that is the Defence Forces into the future, aside from all of the transformation that is required, to which I know the Minister is very committed, we must work to preserve the corporate skill sets within the organisation and its capacity to protect and defend us in what will be a very challenging couple of decades ahead. To do that, we really need to fix the pay and conditions aspect. I look forward to working with the Minister, my colleague, Senator Craughwell, and everybody else in this Chamber to advance the restoration of pay and proper conditions for serving members.