Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and congratulate Senators Malcolm Byrne, O'Loughlin, Casey and colleagues on bringing forward this important Bill. If I were to use one word to describe what it is about, it would be "respect", that is, respect for the institutions of the State. Since independence and the seminal moment of the handover of Dublin Castle to our Army and the raising of the Tricolour, we have had one armed force in this State. It is right and proper that the correct title would be applied to the Defence Forces and would only be used to describe them. They are, as outlined in the Bill, the forces "raised and maintained under the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015". In essence, the Bill is about respect for a very important institution of our State, which has been a symbol of our independence since the foundation of the State and of our security and protection thereafter. I certainly commend it. There have been elements in this country who have not been recognising of the State and our institutions and who would use the term "Óglaigh na hÉireann" to describe forces other than the Army. I support the recognition of the proper use of the term, as described.

A number of weeks ago, I attended a ceremony marking the 100 years since the handover of the former Renmore Barracks in Galway, now Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Barracks, to the Irish State. It was a nice ceremony, as such Defence Forces events always are. They put on a good show, as it were, demonstrating their professionalism and the respect and courtesy they have for the flag and the institutions. The occasions are always moving, whether they be the Easter 1916 ceremonies or other such events. The Defence Forces put on a professional event, with invitations for people living locally and former members and their families. It is particularly important when we consider those who have lost their lives while serving abroad that the correct and proper name is used to describe the Defence Forces and to describe only them.

Like other speakers, I hope the Minister will be back to discuss the whole area of defence. For some months now, starting with the incursions in our economic waters and the stance he, the Government and, indeed, the fishermen in the south east took, there has been a need for such discussion. With all that has happened in Ukraine and the publication of the independent report, it is high time that we have a larger debate on defence, NATO and neutrality. I hope the Minister will return at an early date to have that debate. I congratulate Senator Malcolm Byrne and others on their work on the Bill. I hope it can progress quickly and that whatever amendments are proposed by the Government will be debated and taken on board to strengthen this very symbolic and important, although technical, Bill.