Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 258 together.

Service in the reserve is rendered on a voluntary part-time basis. I am aware of the time and effort that its members give freely by participating in training and other activities in their own time. Their willingness to serve in a voluntary capacity and the dedication and enthusiasm they display consistently is appreciated in their local communities throughout the country and by the Government.

In recognition of their valuable service, medals and bars are issued to members of the Defence Forces as prescribed in Defence Forces regulations. Members of the Defence Forces Reserve are awarded the service medal on completing seven years satisfactory service. This recognises their service and contribution to the Defence Forces and the State. A bar is added to the medal on completing 12 years satisfactory service and a second bar on completing 21 years satisfactory service.

Members of the reserve receive payments in respect of attendance at specified courses of training or instruction or for undertaking particular authorised duties. The pay and allowances are at the same rates and under the same conditions as those of members of the Permanent Defence Force with the exception of the uniform allowance.

In addition, reserve personnel who undergo a total of seven days annual training or an aggregate of seven days training plus duties receive a week's pay at the relevant regimental rank rate as well as a tax free gratuity appropriate to their ranks. The gratuity is a measure of reimbursement on account of losses, expenses and disabilities incurred by them consequent on their obligations.

As Deputies will be aware, the White Paper set out a blueprint for a new reserve. It has a clearly defined role, an enhanced relationship with the PDF, better equipment and training and will have the opportunity to serve on overseas peace support missions. The Reserve Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan, which was formally launched in July 2004, is on schedule. My primary focus has been on meeting the challenges presented by this ambitious plan for the new reserve.

There are, therefore, no plans to change the relevant regulations to provide for an honorarium for retiring members of the reserve. The current provisions give recognition to the excellent service of such members and provide an appropriate reward, given the voluntary nature of that service.

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