As the Taoiseach knows there is a chronic crisis with the cost of living at the moment, much of it brought on by the war in Ukraine and other issues. He will be aware from his party's commitments in the election of another group in society who have been suffering with the cost of living for many years, members of our Defence Forces. We have procrastinated over the commission on the review of pay for members of the Defence Forces for some considerable time. The Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, and PDFORRA have gone to the European Court to secure the right to collective bargaining which they still cannot do without the permission of the Minister. When does the Government propose to address the chronic crisis for members of our understaffed by 1,000 Defence Forces? Recruiting at the moment is like trying to fill an empty bucket when these people cannot survive. There are many in my constituency and in the Taoiseach's constituency. We would like some dates and some tangible action that will be taken to address this issue.

I take the point the Deputy has raised. There are issues. There have been some adjustments in respect of some members of the Defence Forces. The Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces was established by the Government to undertake a comprehensive examination of all issues relating to our Defence Forces. That independent commission has reported. It was established within the first six months. There was widespread consultation and nearly 500 public submissions. It conducted site visits to a large number of military locations, meeting more than 1,000 Defence Forces members and their representative associations. Considerable change has been recommended. It will be coming back to Government. Parallel with that there will be an examination of the broader pay structure and the collective bargaining issue.