David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Will the ongoing value for money review in respect of the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, have an impact on the White Paper? When does the Minister expect that to be produced? There are also inordinate delays in getting that to his desk.

He did not answer my question about his intentions regarding the size of the Defence Forces. Will the complement remain at at least 10,000 in any event? Will he also endeavour to ensure the White Paper is published while the Dáil is in session in order that we can debate it? Many of these papers and reports are published at the end of the summer session as the Dáil rises and three or four months go by before anything happens. Can he ensure this is published while the Dáil is in session in order that we can debate it while it is fresh and not have everyone else in the country debating it bar us?

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