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Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service)

I thank the Minister for his statement, and for the notice of it that I was given. I echo the words of tribute that have been paid to the very dedicated and decent people who have done such a demanding job in very difficult circumstances. It is right that they should have a generous package, and I welcome the measures that the Minister has announced today. I took over the role as my party’s spokesman on defence only a relatively small number of hours ago, since when just about every piece of briefing that I have read has referred to staff shortages, recruitment and retention difficulties, and overstretch, especially in the light of forthcoming engagements in Afghanistan. I am therefore sure that the Minister will understand my surprise at waking up on my first morning in my new post to find that we were due to discuss redundancy packages for armed forces personnel. I especially welcome the £10,000 bounty that the Minister has announced to encourage people to stay in the armed services. I am sure that that is the best option. I would welcome an explanation of the practical measures being taken to encourage a positive response, but I applaud that aspect of the package. Finally, will the Minister remind the House of the military support that will remain in place for the police in Northern Ireland? As has been noted, there were eruptions of violence last summer and autumn. We hope that they will become things of the past, but it would be complacent to assume that they will.