Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I welcome that budget 2023 provided the largest amount ever for the defence sector. We are now in a very competitive employment market. The role the Defence Forces play is extremely important. When they are abroad, they provide a very good service to the UN, as well as part of an EU peacekeeping project. It is important that we provide the level of support and remuneration that they deserve.

The Reserve Defence Force provides significant service to the Defence Forces and the State. The report published by the Commission on Defence Force in 2022 made particular reference to increasing the size and scope of the reserve by integrating it into military planning and making it available for deployment overseas. What engagement has taken place in that regard? How could that part of the Defence Forces be further expanded?

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