Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

The Reserve Defence Force representative organisation pointed out that the quality of training for reservists is not consistent throughout the country. Would the Minister like to comment on that?

There is a number of reasons the recruitment of more people into the Reserve Defence Force is socially desirable. Organisations such as the Reserve Defence Force, the Irish Red Cross, the Knights of Malta and the Civil Defence actually add to the capacity of the community in terms of skills, leadership quality and so on. With such high levels of unemployment, there is a great need to get young people involved in the Reserve Defence Force in order to give them something useful to do. It will enhance their employability but I believe it will also contribute in large degree to making our community a more skilled place by having people available who have the type of skills that can support the community when in need, whether required by particular individuals or because of disasters. Broadening the role of the Reserve Defence Force and giving it a more relevant and meaningful role in the context of today's needs in our country requires urgent attention. I very much encourage the Minister to take it as a real priority.

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