Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully agree with the Deputy. When we talk about the Defence Forces, we need to talk about the total number of men and women who are available to come to the aid of the State, if and when that is required. Of course, an important component of that is the Permanent Defence Forces but it is also important that there is inter-locking between that and the Reserve Defence Forces' men and women who can be called up and can assist in ways as the need arises.

I have had good meetings in recent weeks with the representative body in relation to the Reserve. I have had good conversations about how we can make sure we do more in terms of those constant connectivities and links between the Permanent Defence Forces and the Reserve.

I am also very eager for advertising campaigns to be run and recruitment information to be disseminated about the Reserve Defence Forces. I would very much welcome an opportunity to meet with people who served in the Border region along with the Deputy to discuss that further.

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