Reward bravery

It was heart-wrenching to watch a report on RTÉ’s Prime Time about the poor pay and conditions endured by many serving members of the defences forces. The idea of solders, sailors and Air Corps personnel having to sign on the dole to make ends meet is scandalous.

The Government should prioritise fair pay for these brave and dedicated men and women. On land, sea, and in the air they defend us from harm. Some have died serving Ireland. They’ve held the line when it mattered. Without them, paramilitaries of all shades would have ruined the country.

Soldiers stepped in when flooding and storms of unprecedented ferocity ravaged the island.

Yet this is how the nation rewards them! There must be no dallying on this issue. They deserve better than the pittance they receive for keeping us safe.

John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.