Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)

I have two final points. One is the issue which is of great concern to the representative association, that is, the appointment of a brigadier general to head up the organisation. My understanding of the Minister's responses to me on that was to the effect that he had no particular objection to this, off the top of his head. This is something that can be addressed on its own because, while no reflection on any individuals, there is the issue that the Reserve Defence Forces are being headed up by a member of another organisation, whereas if a member of the general staff was involved that would be a different matter.

I believe the whole issue of being able to serve overseas would be an added incentive towards getting young people to join the Reserve Defence Forces. That aspect was postponed because of financial considerations but there are areas in the Permanent Defence Force, mechanics, engineers and so on - not troops in the firing line, as such but rather people involved in the back-up services - which are worthy of focus. I believe there is considerable scope here and that this is worthy of examination.

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