Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Chief of Staff will not find any disagreement with the future potential of the Reserve Defence Force. On the targets in terms of their geographical spread and their numbers, what in the mind of the Chief of Staff would be sufficient to meet the needs of Reserves?

The previous Chief of Staff highlighted climate change as an area of real concern and future work for the Defence Forces. Does the Chief of Staff agree with his predecessor or see another avenue that exists?

Lastly, the Chief of Staff mentioned the Covid-19 pandemic and the HSE, and the role that the Defence Forces played in that. The Defence Forces played a very important and tangible role which was very much respected and appreciated. I understand that the Reserve members of the Defence Forces have received medals for their participation in Operation Fortitude. Does the Chief of Staff envisage a medal being presented to the members of the Permanent Defence Forces? Would he support such a move?