John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I appreciate that but I asked him specifically about the issue of mandatory selection. I asked him recently via a parliamentary question for the number of personnel of all ranks who have been mandatorily selected, those who have appealed the decision and the number of cases that have been upheld. I find it astonishing that information is not looked at or held within the Department in order that it might analyse the key challenges within the Defence Forces. I find that absolutely astonishing. It is true we are 1,000 members below the establishment figure but it is challenging for members of the Defence Forces and their families when they are selected again just after coming off a tour. Due to those challenges some decide to appeal it but we do not keep that information. It is not analysed to see how much of a challenge it actually is. That is a massive failure.

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