Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

The Minister mentioned the obligation on all personnel to serve overseas, whether one is pre or post 1993, depending on the type of mission. Does he agree that due to the commitment we have and the fact that approximately 25% of our force is caught up between overseas rotation and preparation, it places a large commitment on the Defence Forces, particularly on technical members? Has the Minister examined the concept of the Reserve Defence Force serving overseas in some technical appointments, such as occurs in many of our European neighbours?

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