Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House for this debate. I congratulate my colleagues, Senators Malcolm Byrne, O'Loughlin and Casey, on bringing forward this important legislation. From my office, I listened with interest to all of the contributions. I cannot disagree with any of them.

I take this opportunity to welcome Senator Clonan to the Seanad. I look forward to working alongside him for many years to come. He joins the House as a distinguished academic and also a former member of the Defence Forces. We know he will bring that expertise to any discussion we have on the Defence Forces. That is very welcome. As he knows, we have had an expert on defence matters on the Independent benches for some time. Whether the latter continues to be the expert or becomes the second in command, we have yet to see. We very much look forward to that.

On a serious note, Senator Wall and other colleagues on all sides of the Chamber have, throughout the past number of years and even before that, highlighted the difficulties our Defence Forces, Óglaigh na hÉireann, have faced, particularly in the past ten years. Like all my colleagues, I have the height of respect and regard for Óglaigh na hÉireann, including our Army, Air Corps and navy. I am very proud to say that a family member of mine is a member of Óglaigh na hÉireann, serving with distinction in Custume Barracks in Athlone. I am aware of the significant work the Defence Forces carry out on our behalf on a daily basis. They do so covertly. An old county manager of mine once said to me that the reason the waterworks and sewerage works are the last to get funding in every council is because the work that goes on cannot be seen. Our Army does a fantastic job covertly. Perhaps we should start doing more to highlight the important work it does.

I am fully supportive of this Bill. I know the history of the name and was present in this House when then Senator Cullinane, whose words were referenced earlier, stated his belief that there is only one Óglaigh na hÉireann and it is the Defence Forces.Today, his colleague, Senator Ó Donnghaile, has reiterated that and I very much welcome it.

I commend Senator Byrne and his colleagues again on bringing forward this important legislation. I hope the difficulties the Minister outlined can be dealt with. I look forward to the Minister, Deputy Coveney, coming back to this House to discuss the Commission on the Defence Forces.