David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Tánaiste about engagement with employers. As many employers would value the training I and others got in the Defence Forces in the past, I encourage the Tánaiste to go down that road and work on that.

The Tánaiste may not have the information with him today but could he let me know about the thinking about the tax-free gratuity that used to be paid? I think the Commission on the Defence Forces said it should be reinstated. A payment was made that was linked to the number of hours of training a person put in during the year. That was an incentive and support and helped to cut down on expenses incurred by members at the time. I understand that this is not being paid now but I could be wrong. Perhaps the Tánaiste could correct me or come back to me later. It is an important element that attracted and retained members in the RDF in the past. My final comment concerns the air force reserve. I understand that this will not happen until 2028. Why is there such a delay and can it be brought forward?

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