Defence has become an afterthought for the Taoiseach – Ryan

Labour spokesperson for Defence, Brendan Ryan TD, has called on the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence Leo Varadkar to share the pending report into the inability of two Irish naval ships to launch this morning.

Commenting today Deputy Ryan said:

“As Minister for Defence, An Taoiseach should be able to answer the most basic of questions on defence readiness. When questioned today in the Dáil by opposition parties about reports of the failure of two naval ships to launch this morning due to inadequate staffing, he had no answers.

“We have also seen in recent weeks renewed calls for the review of defense services pay. Members of the Army, Naval Services and Air Corps are some of poorest paid public services in Ireland.

“For over a year we have been hearing about how poor pay has impacted on the quality of living for families of servicemen and women. Yet, An Taoiseach has presented no plan to address the issues raised by Pdforra and service-members.

“It seems to me that An Taoiseach has allowed Defense to become an afterthought.”