Defence Forces pay dispute
The exchange continued over pay restoration, Ministerial criticism, and whether the Defence Forces were being used for politics. The Leader reiterated support for the personnel and pointed to existing public sector pay arrangements.
Senator McFadden asked the Minister to step up.
Comment on this
The restoration of public sector pay commenced under the last Government and continues under this one. I ask that Senator Murnane O'Connor not forget that.
Comment on this
I am watching everything the Government is doing.
Comment on this
What Senator McFadden said, as to be fair did Senators Craughwell and Wilson in a non-partisan way, is that we need to do more. We will do that but Senator Murnane O'Connor should not use the men and women of the Defence Forces as political pawns.
Comment on this
Absolutely not. I was proud to be here. When Fine Gael's own Senator does not agree with the Minister-----
Comment on this
They are members of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the Defence Forces, who travel the world. We should have pride in them and value them and not use them as political pawns-----
Comment on this
Absolutely, which is why I was proud to stand outside Leinster House today. The Leader was not out there, but I was.