Vol. 538 No. 5
43 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the problems encountered by members serving overseas regarding contacting their families; the procedures which have been put in place to rectify these problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18325/01]
I am advised by the military authorities that in view of the importance attached to maintaining communications between personnel serving overseas and families at home any difficulties in this area are treated with the utmost priority. It has been the experience that difficulties, when they occur, are usually of a temporary nature and are rectified immediately. In addition, the Defence Forces have put a liaison system in position whereby family members experiencing difficulties with communications can contact the parent unit liaison officer who will immediately attempt to address these problems or concerns. I am advised that this system appears to work well.
