Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Richardson to the meeting. I have always felt that the members of the Reserve Defence Forces were motivated by a great patriotism and sense of volunteerism in that it was not just a career for them but a way for them to give to society on top of their normal jobs and lives. That is an admirable quality and something that merits recognition. It is the kind of resource and motivation we should not lose.

The Reserve used to have a strong link with its communities when I was a youngster but I know the closure of local barracks has damaged that. I was wondering about one solution in a Cavan context but it may apply in other counties and I hope it does. We have a strong Civil Defence voluntary association in Cavan. I am sure that is the case in most counties but they are active in Cavan and they were involved a lot during Covid with meals on wheels, visiting older people and attending the few events that took place to make sure everything was all right. Would integration with the Civil Defence assist the Reserve in its work? Would Mr. Richardson see that as a plus or would he see potential there?

I agree that members of the Reserve should be treated as part-time workers and that its budget should increase. It is an advantage that there is now a facility for members of the force to leave work when called. It would be helpful for the committee to know what kind of funding the Reserve requires and would get in an ideal world? It would be important for us to know that. I favour the status of part-time workers for members of the Reserve but I see a risk in it. Could it reduce the volunteerism and be inappropriate to some people or would it be desirable to balance the two? How would Mr. Richardson see that working out?

Those are my questions but I want to welcome Mr. Richardson. This is a neglected area and the members of the Reserve are great people. I have known people in my community who have served down the years and it is a great act of service and patriotism.