Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State but he still has not answered my question. When will the specialist reserve be established? In respect of identifying the role of the RDF, three times today the Minister of State has told me the role of the RDF. I served in the RDF for 13 years. I know very well the role of the RDF and do not need to be told it three times.

In respect of the skills survey to be undertaken, the Minister of State has said his Department will identify options available to underpin the engagement of the specialist reserve. Has he outlined these options? Has he engaged on the particular task about which he has just spoken? As outlined in the White Paper, the Secretary General in conjunction with the Chief of Staff will bring forward proposals for the operation of a scheme that affords a small number of suitably qualified members of the RDF whose personal circumstances allow them to participate in overseas service. Has the Secretary General brought forward such proposals?

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