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Maintaining Ireland’s neutrality, improving pay and conditions for serving personnel, and enhancing supports for veterans are among the key areas prioritised in the Social Democrats’ Defence and Security policy, which was published today. The policy was launched in Newbridge by Cllr Chris Pender, the party’s Kildare South candidate, and justice spokesperson Catherine Murphy. In government, […]

The Taoiseach must use the opportunity of his White House meeting with President Joe Biden this week to express Ireland’s grave concerns about the threat to the safety of Irish peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on defence and foreign affairs, said: “The […]

The Government’s failure to invest in the Naval Service has left Ireland highly vulnerable to drug smuggling and other threats to our national security, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on defence, said: “It is disturbing, but not surprising, to learn that the Naval Service is this […]

Figures show that almost 60 per cent of family military accommodation is unoccupied  Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has called on the Government to reconsider its policy of not providing military family accommodation to members of the Defence Forces. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on Defence, said: “I was prompted to raise this […]

TDs urged to support Gary Gannon’s amendment to Government motion today The proposed deployment of an Irish Naval Service vessel to the Mediterranean as part of an EU mission must prioritise providing assistance to persons in distress at sea, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on Defence, […]

Recommendations must now be implemented without delay The pattern of shameful behaviour identified in the report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality Issues in the Defence Forces must never be allowed happen again, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon. Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s spokesperson on Defence, said: “Today’s report […]

Attack on UN convoy is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by members of the Defence Forces on peacekeeping missions News of the death of an Irish peacekeeper in Lebanon has caused profound shock and sadness throughout Ireland, according to Social Democrats Defence spokesperson Gary Gannon. “This morning we woke up to the terrible news […]

The report has highlighted the extent of the crisis within our Defence Forces Improved pay and conditions for members of the Defence Forces are a critical component in bolstering our defence capabilities, according to Social Democrats Defence Spokesperson Gary Gannon. “I welcome the release of the report of the Commission of the Defence Forces, which […]