Athlone-based Senator, Gabrielle McFadden has welcomed home the 109th Infantry Batallion after their tour of duty in the Lebanon and spoke of the pleasure of seeing the soldiers being reunited with their families.
Speaking in the Seanad, she also called for a review of pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces.
“As a State, we are immensely grateful to the soldiers for the wonderful and invaluable work that they do abroad and the distinction with which they represent their country,” Senator McFadden said.
“We must acknowledge the sacrifices that they and their families have given to the State over the last six months – it hasn’t been easy for them.”
“As a country, we are very proud of our Defence Forces and it is time now for us to put our money where our mouth is and to address the issue of pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces.”
Senator McFadden pledged to raise this and other related matters again this week when Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe comes before the Seanad.
