The Taoiseach has wished our defence forces serving overseas a very happy Christmas while visiting members of the Irish Battalion in Lebanon today.

Minister of state for defence Paul Kehoe has said he has written to the Defence Forces seeking a report on claims that an Air Corps whistleblower is facing dismissal and that documents key to legal cases against the State were deliberately shredded.

The Government is coming under increased pressure to launch an investigation into missing Defence Forces inspection reports which were allegedly destroyed.

Fianna Fáil has called on the Government to establish healthcare screening for members of the Defence Forces, as well as a health package for those who have suffered illnesses as a result of their exposures while working for the State.

Junior Defence Minister Paul Kehoe has met an Air Corps whistleblower and saw copies of inspection reports that have raised concerns about conditions in Casement Aerodrome dating back to the 1990s.

Junior defence minister Paul Kehoe has defended the Government’s decision to investigate whistleblower allegations against the Air Corps’ management of staff exposure to harmful chemicals.

The Minister for Defence has blamed the improving economy for retention problems within the forces.

Irish personnel who took part in rescue missions in the Mediterranean are to be awarded a new medal.