Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The figure for those classed as non-effective as of 1 August is 989. With regard to the integrated and front line reserves, my focus is on preserving the reserve at a reasonable strength. I do not accept fully the recommendations of the McCarthy report. I am trying to do my best to preserve the reserve and to consolidate the progress we have made in implementing the initial 2000 White Paper on the reserve over the past number of years.

On the integrated reserve, only approximately 300 people have trained for this, which is disappointing. Both the integrated reserve and the front line reserve will have to wait for the moment. As the Deputy knows and as I have informed the House, we are committed to a second White Paper on Defence to take matters forward from here. Both matters will be dealt with in that context.

See this speech in context