Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Retired members of An Garda and the Defence Forces are entitled not just to respect from the State but also to great gratitude for what they have done, and they should always be treated with dignity in dealings with the State after they have served. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, has acknowledged that there is a problem and that the interaction with the Department of Social Protection and attendance at Intreo offices are presenting difficulties. He is trying to find a way through that, so he acknowledges there is an issue. Even if the total amount of money stays the same one way or the other, it is a question of the manner in which people are treated. People's dignity should always be respected, particularly later in life. The contributions of members of the Garda or the Defence Forces, often in very dangerous circumstances, put them at risk and subject them to much abuse. At the end of your career, you should be treated with dignity. I absolutely respect that. There is a process under way. I believe the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, is a man of honour and is working on this. I will keep the Senator up to date and ask the Minister to keep him up to date on the progress on the work.