Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have recently initiated a review of recruitment to the Defence Forces. We have to examine many lessons which have been learned to see what we can do better to improve recruitment, including advertising. We also have to look at the current recruitment process. We brought in an independent chairperson to look at the conciliation and arbitration scheme within the Defence Forces.

I can bring in an independent person who will be able to talk to the people about whom the Deputy spoke - former members of the Defence Forces - about why they joined the Defence Forces and why any young person would want to join the Defence Forces. It is important that we look at all these areas, which is why I want to initiate this review of the recruitment process in order that we look at our practices and the way we do things. I envisage that there will be an input from all people involved in the defence sector.

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