Mr. Eugene Gargan:

I thank Ms McCarthy.

The Deputy asked a question on recruitment to the Permanent Defence Force. The Reserve Defence Force and its predecessors, An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí, have traditionally been a very effective channel for recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force. It was a very attractive channel from the Permanent Defence Force’s perspective because those recruited through it did not enter military life unaccustomed to it. Therefore, the dropout rate was understandably very low. Recruits hit the road running and there was a fairly effective conversion rate. In fact, it was often said that it was a major problem in terms of natural wastage. So many were people leaving the ranks of the Reserve to go into the Permanent Defence Force that it caused a bit of a problem. It was not a bad problem to have, and we were happy to do our best in that regard. As a result of the trend in question, a high number of former members of the Reserve and former direct colleagues are in the Permanent Defence Force.

I was asked about the other strengths and social benefits. I believe the Deputy was talking about the other socio-economic benefits that accrue from military service. Deputy Berry is a fine example of someone who has come through the Defence Forces and who has launched another career, or multiple careers in his case. There is an awful lot to be gained from military service. As Ms McCarthy mentioned, it instils a sense of esprit de corps. One adopts the values of the Defence Forces. For a great number of people, it is an expression of their patriotism and service to the State. That can only be welcomed as a good thing. However, back when the much-discredited value-for-money report was put together, there was zero value put on any of these factors. No value was placed on any social benefit to the community whatsoever. It was strictly lined up with military benefit. That is a difficulty. The report did not take an holistic approach, accounting for the benefit of the Reserve to the State as a whole. That was a significant shortcoming. I will not get into the issue of the value-for-money report because we have not prepared for it. That is another chapter in history.

On the Naval Service Reserve numbers, I will hand over to Mr. Richardson.

I was asked about having referred to the expense of serving in the Reserve when I last spoke. The point made was true. I am not an accountant but if we were to keep a tally of what we spend on fuel, tolls, maintenance of our uniforms, buying kit and not getting paid for the majority of what we do, we would certainly note we are out of pocket.

The withdrawal of the gratuity scheme was said to fund additional man days. We were told that we would get back in one pocket what we lost from the other. That simply has not happened. Many of us feel that we continue to pay a price for our service. We do not do it for money. There are other drivers that keep us connected and serving. As Ms McCarthy mentioned, it is all about being part of a bigger organisation and service to the State.

On the White Paper projects, the White Paper is a bit dated at this stage. I will ask Mr. Richardson to give an update on his thoughts on this matter. We have been waiting for quite a while for something to come of the White Paper projects. The White Paper was launched to a fanfare several years ago but it has not delivered anything for us. That is simply a matter of fact. It is very disappointing that it has not delivered anything. To be blunt about it, we have more significant concerns at this stage. Our very survival as an entity is what we are worried about now. We talked in the foyer outside about whether this is the last time we will get to come in here. Will we be in existence in a couple of years? I cannot overstate this point. I do not mean to be overly negative because there is a positive to be brought to the members’ attention also. I will get to that towards the end. We are not that concerned about the White Paper at this stage; we are more concerned about the commission and being able to stay in existence until its recommendations, which we expect to be positive, are executed, and not delayed or stalled in any shape or form.

On best practice and the other questions, I will hand over to Mr. Richardson. Before doing so, I will make a last point, on ONE. ONE is a marvellous organisation. I was present for the launch of its campaign, the Fuchsia appeal. The organisation does tremendous work. It serves several purposes. It does fabulous work looking after our veterans. It was quite keen to redefine the term “veteran” to mean anybody who had served. I would not take it as a reflection on the Deputy’s age, particularly coming from someone like me, who marked 35 years of service in the Reserve this week. I am not quite a veteran just yet. I endorse the work of ONE. Many of our former members are in it. We help them whenever we can.

I will now pass over to Mr. Richardson, who will take the other questions.