Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

We have touched on this matter in our previous supplementary questions to the Minister. It is important that he would make some progress on the RDF's promotional structure and on rewarding its volunteers.

Reverting to Deputy Stanton's comments, there is a feeling that, due to the attitude taken towards the RDF in recent years, it is undervalued and that its role has been trivialised. This is the feedback I am getting from people within the RDF. Like them, I am committed to the concept. Across the world, reserve defence forces play a critical role in overseas missions. I refer to the forces of America, England and elsewhere. Rather than diminishing the RDF's role, we should enhance, encourage and support it. The diminution of its role or giving the impression, albeit not publicly, that the RDF has no great role would be unfortunate.

Has the moratorium on recruitment and promotions affected the future prospects of RDF personnel serving abroad?

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