Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister will be aware of the growing concern that the Reserve Defence Force is to be depleted by thousands.

As a Deputy for Donegal North East, I have met individuals in my constituency who are concerned about the supports for the Reserve Defence Force. They told me about a recruitment day held in one of the community schools when 100 young people expressed a wish to be involved. They could not provide for all the young people who attended. Members of the Reserve travel long distances, give significant amounts of their time and fund-raise for various good causes. All of this connects the Defence Forces with local communities. The Reserve Defence Force is the umbilical link between our Defence Forces and local communities. It is a tremendous organisation. Every euro invested in it gives a significant return.

Whatever the Minister is considering, I ask him to think about the impact it will have on the ground. During a profound recession when large numbers of young people are out of work, it is more critical than ever that we have a Reserve Defence Force whose ethos is supported in every way.

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