Reserve Defence Forces will have full-time jobs protected if called up for first time

For the first time in their history members of the Reserve Defence Forces will have their full-time jobs protected if they are called up to reinforce the regulars during times of emergency, such as the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The legislation was cleared in the Dáil after being proposed by TDs Denis Naughton and Cathal Berry, a former second-in-command of the elite Army Ranger Wing (ARW).