Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is good to hear. Having read the board's report, I am somewhat concerned that there are approximately 4,500 "active" members. I ask Mr. Spain to explain that to us. It was 6,000 in 2002 when the board was established. One would have hoped that at a time of significant levels of unemployment with people again focusing on volunteerism that there would have been a greater level of participation. I ask Mr. Spain to outline the Civil Defence recruitment processes, age profile and gender balance in the organisation.