Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on his address to the Annual Conference of PDFORRA on 8 October 2008. [35897/08]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance and address to the recent PDFORRA Annual Delegate Conference in Westport, County Mayo; his plans to address the issues that arose during the conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35125/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 71 together.

On 8 October 2008, I addressed the Annual Delegate Conference of the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA). I sought to make my address relevant, positive and informative.

I addressed such diverse issues as the Defence Forces continuing high profile commitment to overseas service, investment in infrastructure and equipment, and promotional opportunities. I also addressed the current economic climate and I stated that the Defence Forces, like all areas of the public service, must contribute towards resolving the current challenges facing the country. I also emphasised that the budgetary situation does not diminish my commitment, as Minister for Defence, to the continued modernisation of the Defence Forces as set out in An Agreed Programme for Government.

The Deputies' interest in my speech is appreciated and it can be accessed from the Department of Defence website — www.defence.ie