Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will take the question on the Reserve first. There was recruitment last year, but I do not think the procedures and processes were sufficient to accommodate those who had expressed an interest. An office has now been created in respect of recruitment to the Reserve force and its organisation.

There is huge potential there. In speaking with the Chief of Staff, the military leadership and the Secretary General, I have stressed that I want to see a rapid improvement in recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force.

In terms of the broader issues, the cumulative impact of all of the various measures we are taking can arrest the decline. That we have full employment and are at 3.8% unemployment is a huge factor, as is the fact the private sector is poaching and endeavouring to recruit.

Deputies Stanton and O'Sullivan raise an interesting issue regarding the psychometric tests.

See this speech in context