Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Defence the position regarding members of the Reserve Defence Forces who wish to serve abroad; if he expects that such personnel will be able to serve abroad during 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3501/09]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 26 November 2008, the progress that has made in providing for the service of members of the Reserve Defence Forces on overseas duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3486/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 144 together.

In line with the provisions of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, it is hoped that a small number of Reservists will be able to undertake overseas service in late 2009.

The military authorities have identified overseas posts requiring specific skills that may be filled by members of the Reserve. The military authorities have sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified Reservists who have undertaken integrated training and are at an advanced stage in identifying Reservists who may be eligible and willing to apply for a small number of specified overseas positions.

Work on the necessary regulatory changes has progressed and terms and conditions of service are being considered. The Representative Associations will be consulted in the near future.