Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

At the moment that is the case. However, some changes have recently been made to the cadet competition which will open the door to refugees, nationals of EEA states and nationals of any other state who have been lawfully present in Ireland for five years, among others. If somebody who is not an Irish citizen applies to become a cadet it requires special clearance from the Minister but, unequivocally, I have no objection to the idea and would not hesitate to clear them, provided they met the other criteria. I am conscious of the need to ensure the officer ranks of the Army reflect the population as closely as possible and we are working to that end.

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