Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. Coming from Kildare I am aware of the great interest in the Defence Forces and the Army reserve. What are the current numbers in regard to the reserve? What is the age profile of reservists? In the groups I am aware of many of them are young people and, therefore, overseas missions will play a major part in their willingness to continue in the Reserve Defence Force.

In that regard, how will the Minister balance the obvious need highlighted in other reports about a shortage in the Medical Corps and so on with increasing interest among members of the Reserve Defence Force to serve overseas in a medical capacity or whatever? How can we generate that interest and ensure they continue to participate and that it is not just a seven day whim for them to be members of the Defence Forces? We must ensure that we see a continued growth in that regard.

The first movement in that direction will see a whole new emphasis as regards the reserve forces. Given the age profile, does this mean that a good many young people are really interested in this? The follow-on from it should be that as we move forward there will be far greater participation from the reserve Defence Forces overseas, to complement the Permanent Defence Force.

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