Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Deputies raised a number of issues. As recommended in the White Paper, much work has been done to substantially reorganise the reserve, which now mirrors the structure of the PDF. Extra money has been spent on clothing, training, updating equipment, etc. Now that those changes have been made, the process of integration will begin.

The take-up in the pilot programme is disappointing and a long way short of the target, but I hope matters will improve next year. I agree that there are difficulties, but the military assures me that they can be resolved. It is evaluating the experience of the people who took part in the pilot project and working out ways around the difficulties. Integration is voluntary and reservists cannot be forced into becoming part of the integrated reserve. The Army will develop a number of ideas to improve the situation next year.

We are working towards giving the reserve, in particular the integrated reserve, new functions. Deputy Stanton's idea is a good one and I will discuss it with the appropriate authorities.

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