Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this matter on the Adjournment. We are out and about among the people at the moment and a half dozen young people approached me because they are very upset that their time with the Reserve Defence Force has been terminated. They believe that up to 1,200 people are similarly affected. I did not know that there were 1,200 people in the Reserve Defence Force but they advise me that the figure could be that high. These young people were very much enjoying the experience of working with the Defence Forces, having been accepted as reservists.

I do not know the scale of the impact on the Reserve Defence Force of the Government moratorium that took effect on 27 March 2009. Nor do I know if the number affected is that large but it is a most unfortunate and socially undesirable cut. These are young people, many of whom are unemployed, who regard their time in the Reserve Defence Force as being productive, useful and enjoyable. For many it gives a purpose in life when they have little prospect of employment. They believe that they acquire valuable skills and socially the experience is very worthwhile.

The policy seems to be penny wise and pound foolish. Reservists in the Defence Forces are not paid a wage or salary. Only recently I heard the Minister for Defence boast of increased investment in the reserve with new equipment, clothing and opportunities for improved training. He even claimed that plans were well advanced to send members of the reserve overseas.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Áine Brady is responding to this matter and I wish her every success and enjoyment in her role but I hope she is able to tell me what are the statistics in the reserve, how many of these young people are affected as the half dozen who approached me, and how much will be saved as a result of this decision. In the present climate, with the worst unemployment in the history of the State, I plead with the Minister for Defence to reverse his decision. These young people are not public service employees. The cost of their serving in the Reserve Defence Force is minimal and is money well spent. We should be creating opportunities for these young people and designing programmes to keep them occupied while awaiting employment opportunities. For some young people the Reserve Defence Force serves that purpose for very little investment. For those young people who do not proceed with a career in the Defence Forces it is still worthwhile to serve time with the reserve. I hope the Minister will change his mind.

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