Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

No.

Persons applying for membership of the Defence Forces Reserve are required to undergo security clearance and medical screening in advance of being accepted and attested as members. The military authorities conduct a familiarisation course for applicants pending their successfully satisfying medical requirements and while they are awaiting security clearance. The suspension of recruitment applies to these persons and not to persons who have already been attested as members of the Defence Forces Reserve. The Minister for Defence is aware that this is disappointing to those applicants who were hoping to join the reserve.

Membership of the Defence Forces Reserve has provided a character-forming opportunity for young persons throughout the country. The trend in recent years has shown a decline in membership of the reserve but the changed economic environment could halt this trend. Those who have participated have developed skills that are beneficial to the Defence Forces, their personal lives, their careers and broader society. It is important to ensure that the Defence Forces Reserve remain an attractive and challenging option when recruitment recommences. To this end, the suspension of recruitment is being closely monitored along with the efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the reserve within the more restrictive budgetary provision.

See this speech in context