Speaking in the Dail on Wednesday evening last (12th June) I set out my support for members of our defence forces and their families. I accept that there are difficulties with morale, recruitment and retention at present and I want to work to improve that. Working as I can as a government TD within our party to highlight concerns to the Taoiseach, Minister for Public Expenditure and Minister for Defence
Within the parameters of the public sector pay commission, pay and allowances are being reviewed and I am hopeful that their report in the coming weeks will see some improvements, discussions are ongoing with the Irish Congress of Trqade Unions around possible affiliate membership for personnel. I also continue to push for the payment of the outstanding adjudication awards, along with progress on complying with the working time directive.