Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has carried out an investigation as to the reason during the first four months of 2008, the number of females enlisted into the Reserve Defence Force is less than the number being discharged whereas the opposite is happening in regard to male recruits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26008/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The yearly trend from April 2007 to April 2008 indicates a similar proportional decline in numbers for males and females in the Reserve.

I have previously acknowledged the fact that numbers in the Reserve have decreased over recent years despite the significant improvements arising on foot of the implementation of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan.

Steps to incentivise recruitment and retention in the Reserve, apart from those already provided for in the Implementation Plan, have included a significant increase to the gratuity payable to certain members of the Reserve. In addition, a recruitment and awareness campaign is planned for the near future.