Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

The Minister might arrange a trip to Lebanon for Deputy O'Connor in order that he can check whether there is anyone from Tallaght there. In a departure from protocol, I extend a welcome to our distinguished guests in the Visitors Gallery.

With regard to the Minister's reference to the recruitment of specialist personnel, will he elaborate on the remarks he made in Lebanon that he would seek to recruit engineers, doctors and others to the Reserve Defence Force in the manner that it operates in Finland and other Scandinavian countries? Traditionally, we have had difficulty in attracting skilled professionals into the Permanent Defence Force. Is the Minister considering this approach?

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