Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force, RDF. The Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan provides for the phased enhancement of Reserve capabilities over the period to the end of 2009.

The plan provided for a non-integrated Army Reserve with an establishment of 9,292 personnel and a Naval Service Reserve with an establishment of 400 personnel, and these revised organisational structures came into effect in October 2005. As of 31 October 2007, there are 8,939 effective personnel, comprising 8,598 in the Army Reserve and 341 in the Naval Service Reserve. In addition, the plan provides for the development of an integrated Army Reserve. In accordance with the implementation plan, a pilot scheme has been initiated in 2007 and 180 personnel have completed the required training.

It should be noted that, as part of the implementation process, a more rigorous approach is now being taken to removing the names of non-effective personnel from unit rolls. This accounts for part of the fall in numbers. It is widely accepted that the retention of volunteers, in today's world, is increasingly difficult. I do not believe this is specific to the Defence Force Reserve. It is well known that many organisations have experienced difficulties in retaining volunteers. The challenge is to ensure that the Reserve remains an attractive and challenging option for members while ensuring that the appropriate capabilities are developed.

The many changes that have been introduced on foot of the Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan are addressing some of those key issues. Improvements in clothing, equipment and quantity and quality of training have been delivered. These factors were identified as being important issues for members of the Reserve, as well as being necessary to improve the overall capability of the Reserve.

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The piloting of the integrated element of the Reserve is also providing the opportunity for those members of the Reserve who wish to avail of the increased training opportunities that this provides.

In recognition of this increased commitment by members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, I have brought forward proposals to the Minister for Finance for a significant increase in the gratuity that is paid to members of the Reserve who complete specified voluntary training. The outstanding elements of the implementation plan will be addressed over the period to the end of 2009.

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