Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

When the replies to questions are lumped together in this fashion, a difficulty arises in that it becomes difficult to ask specific questions in return. I refer to Question No. 6, in reply to which the Minister provided the specific breakdown between mandatory and voluntary selection. Why did mandatory selection take place? Was it because there was an insufficient number of volunteers? On what basis were those personnel who were selected mandatorily recruited? How is the list formed? What is the selection process? In what order are personnel likely to be selected? Do selected personnel have an opportunity to opt in or out? If they have specific family circumstances are they simply obliged to go or do circumstances exist in which they would be excused?

It is important that people should know the system and how it operates. In addition, the system should be seen to be just, fair and transparent. I seek the Minister's response in this regard first as I wish to ask a number of other questions, as does Deputy Wall.

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