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

I thank the Tánaiste for that comprehensive response. I hope the number will increase. I understand there was a time when the number in the RDF, formerly the FCA, was approximately 20,000. That was the situation when I was a member up to 1997, before I came in here and was told my services were no longer required. Will the Tánaiste comment on the situation regarding the tax-free gratuity, which played an important part in attracting and retaining members to the Reserve in the past? Will he also comment on what can be done to balance the careers of people working both in ordinary civilian careers and in service? People might want to go for annual training or even serve overseas but they need to have their jobs maintained in civvy-land while they are doing that.

Will the Tánaiste tell me how many members of the First Line Reserve are effective?

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