FCA to be given UN peace-keeping role abroad

Defence Minister Willie O' Dea has given part-time soldiers of the FCA a role in peacekeeping abroad with the United Nations.

The new Reserve Defence Force will link up with permanent members of the Defence Forces to bring them up to full operational strength.

These changes come as part of a radical change of image and role for the part-time service.

It is hoped that this move will halt the trend of falling numbers and see the force's active membership double.