Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ensuring an appropriate balance between voluntary activities and work and home life is a key challenge that is common to individuals involved in many voluntary organisations. The issues raised with me relate primarily to the need to hold medical examinations and fitness tests at times that do not require candidates to take days off work. We are trying to make practical improvements in these areas.

Last year we had 22,992 training man days and are planning to have 26,000 training man days this year. As such, we intend to increase Reserve Defence Force strength and are actively trying to recruit new members. We also have the First Line Reserve, but that is a separate issue.