Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I suggest the Department run a pilot recruitment or promotion campaign in towns and counties where military barracks have been closed. Unfortunately, Dún Uí Néill barracks in Cavan in my home county was closed. The Army tradition in the town went back a long time. Barracks in Monaghan, Longford and other areas with an Army tradition have also closed. Unfortunately, this tradition has been ebbing away since the closure of these barracks and it would be regrettable if were to lose entirely our appreciation of the Army and its structures and role in society. Will consideration be given to a pilot recruitment campaign for the Reserve Defence Force in these areas? I believe such a campaign would be well received.