Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I received representations from an individual in south Tipperary who indicated that there were 20 people in the recruitment process. The recruitment process has stopped because of the announcement of the embargo on 27 March. The great fear is that this group is becoming disillusioned and will be lost forever. That could have a knock-on effect on attracting others. It is vital that the blunt instrument approach of the embargo is dealt with. In regard to the Reserve Defence Force, I take it the Minister will take the case to the Minister for Finance to get leeway in respect of these people. I understand it takes several months to come through that process. Will the Minister seek leeway for such people to complete the process?

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