Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

It is encouraging that the Minister has indicated he sees merit in the idea of recruitment panels. Before the ban on recruitment was introduced, an individual in my constituency was about to be called, but then the ban was introduced and as a result he was not recruited. He went off then to either New Zealand or Australia. If panels were put in place as early as possible, people with particular skills suited to the Defence Forces might not emigrate. People should be let know they are on a panel and their position on it. If they knew it was likely they would be called, they would be less likely to emigrate. Speed is of the essence in that regard. If we wait to draw up the total requirement in detail, too much time will pass. Whereas not having people in positions at an early date may save the State money, there is a wider agenda to be served. We must get the process going as quickly as possible. It is important that young people are given hope in the current situation.

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