Ireland’s lack of an independent, strategic airlift capability has been well known for decades but has been particularly evident in the last 18 months. No self-respecting state of our size, particularly an island nation, would allow this situation to occur. Chartering commercial aircraft at short ...

This week the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence published our report; Displacement and Demolitions in the occupied Palestinian territory. The report calls for an end to further evictions, transfer of settlers, demolitions, land appropriations, and pillage of natural resources in the ...

Good news this morning for Portarlington Community Centre! I welcome the news that they have been allocated €20,646 under the COVID Stability Fund for Community and Voluntary groups. This funding is being provided to community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises, ...

Recently in the Dáil, I questioned Minister Eamonn Ryan about providing vaccinations for people working in indoor hospitality dining settings. As indoor dining returns over the next couple of weeks, it’s essential that our hospitality staff are protected against the virus.

Landmark Defence legislation being voted through the Dáil. Potential to be transformative for our Reservists if implemented properly. Huge thanks to everyone involved.

Thanks to the RACO members, General Secretary, Comdt Conor King, Deputy General Secretary, Lt Col Derek Priestly & President of RACO, Comdt Luke Foley for appearing before the Oireachtas Committee on Defence recently. We discussed various important issues affecting members of the Defence ...

€915m of EU grants on the way to Ireland for decarbonisation, digitalisation & resilience. Ideal opportunity to address longstanding infrastructural deficits in our military & police forces.  

Early clarity and swift implementation are needed on the recent Technical Pay announcement. Our best troops are leaving so stopping the haemorrhage is vital. Every. Day. Counts.

Thanks to PDFORRA for appearing before the Oireachtas Committee on Defence recently to discuss the military staff retention crisis. In summary:  this problem is fixable.  ample solutions available.  what are we waiting for?  

In the Dáil this week, I spoke in relation to the recent cyber-attack on the HSE and the Department of Health. I agree with the views of retired Colonel Dorcha Lee in the Irish Times this morning when he stated that this cyber-attack is of such scale, such magnitude and such consequences ...

This week in the Dáil, I spoke to Minister Simon Coveney in relation to the provision of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Service. We should identify what component of the service the Air Corps can look after and then task and resource it accordingly. Any part of the service that cannot be ...

Deputy Cathal Berry, TD for Kildare South, highlighted various issues in the Dáil this week in relation to the Curragh Camp, such as housing and derelict buildings, with Minister for Defence Simon Coveney. Deputy Berry said that “anyone who has ...