8 Feb 2017, 12:14
The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence will meet tomorrow to conduct a two-part meeting on matters relevant to their remit. In Session A the Committee will discuss issues concerning the Reserve Defence Forces with Mr. Neil Richardson, General Secretary of the Reserve Defence Forces Representative Association
8 February 2017
In Session B the Committee will discuss passport services and the increased volume of passport applications from Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain following Brexit, particularly in border areas, with Senator Robbie Gallagher before considering a motion on the methodology used in the provision of Consular Services, in the name of Senator Mark Daly.
Session A of the meeting will commence at 9.45am in Committee Room 1 tomorrow, Thursday, 9 February 2017. Session B will follow at 11.15am.
Committee Chairman, Brendan Smith TD, said “The Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) carry out an important function in society through the provision of reinforcements to the Permanent Defence Force and Naval Service, provision of logistical support and armed escorts and staffing of Military Posts during periods of PDF deployment.”
“We welcome the opportunity to hear from Mr. Richardson tomorrow on the challenges and issues facing the RDF including the reallocation of services regionally, recruitment issues, overall membership numbers, and the important services the RDF provide to both the PDF and the public.”
‘The Committee will also have a chance to discuss the way in which the Passport Service is managing the increased level of demand, particularly in border areas, since the Brexit referendum. Also on the agenda is a motion requesting the Minister to clarify the methodology on how Honorary Consul services are founded and appointed world-wide.’
Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
Ends