Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I do not disagree with the Deputy about using the first line reserve if the integrated reserve concept does not work but, as he will be aware, the changes in the reserve were to take place over a number of phases. The first phase comprised additional training, radical changes in the organisational structure, additional equipment, changes in the gratuity system and so on. All those have been put in place. We are now at the next stage, which is the development of the integrated reserve. I agree with the Deputy that the initial outcome of the pilot projects we initiated in this regard was disappointing. The first pilot project was undertaken in 2007 and it continued into 2008. More than 300 people have completed training for the integrated reserve. We never envisaged reaching a figure of 2,500 as a result of the pilots but at least we have made a start.

The development of the first line reserve is looked on as the next phase. We have resolved the integrated reserve problem. I do not disagree with the Deputy that if we run into problems with this and have to give up or it does not develop as we expected, we can look more closely at the front line reserve. However, we are not giving up on the integrated reserve. We have learned valuable lessons from the pilot projects and changes will be made in the recruitment of people to the integrated reserve as a result. The next phase will be first line reserve and we see a role for both. The intention is to make the PDF as efficient and effective as possible, with which the Deputy agrees.

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