Last Monday, 12 February, myself and my dear colleague, Senator Gerard Craughwell, attended a press conference convened by the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, at its headquarters. The conference was in recognition of the fact that the Council of Europe has recognised PDFORRA's submission to register as a trade union. The Government has opposed such registration. I remind the Government side that it was the late, great Brian Lenihan Snr. who brought about the recognition of PDFORRA and the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers, RACO, in the late 1980s. The measure resulted in these representative bodies, which are very active. To give this matter proper airing - I am sure Senator Craughwell will agree with me - it would be appropriate that the Leader arranges a discussion on this important issue. We have plenty of time but I cannot outline all of the intricacies of the matter. Basically, the Council of Europe committee has stated that PDFORRA is entitled to be registered as a trade union with ICTU and to negotiate on behalf of its members. Senator Craughwell will agree with me that the pay and conditions for the armed forces is not in keeping with the demands placed on them and the risks that they take on behalf of Irish citizens.

I compliment Mr. Mark Keane, president of PDFORRA, Mr. Emmanuel Jacob, president of the European Organisation of Military Associations, EUROMIL, Mr. Gerry Rooney, former general secretary of PDFORRA and Mr. Gerard Guinan, general secretary of PDFORRA, on their work and commitment to this matter. I also wish to place on record that PDFORRA is part of the nominating body for Senator Craughwell and me and we have declared our interest in this matter. Senator Craughwell has been very active, as a former member of every defence force in Europe that I could fit in - definitely at least two of them - which is rather rare. He is an exception. What an achievement. He has survived both of the organisations, which is a great achievement.

They were both in the British Isles to coin a phrase.

I hope that the Leader will consider my request to arrange a debate on this very important issue. One does not have the time to explain the intricacies of this direction or decision by the Council of Europe during the Order of Business.