Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Since its launch in July 2004 the Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan has provided the framework for the development of the Reserve. This plan sought to progressively develop Reserve capabilities and had an implementation timeframe that extended to the end of 2009. A value for money, VFM, review of the Reserve Defence Force commenced in February 2010. It was intended that the recommendations of this review would inform plans regarding the future development of the Reserve.

In the intervening period there has been significant change and uncertainty in the economic environment. Resource constraints have further impacted all aspects of defence expenditure, including the Reserve. Arising from the comprehensive review of expenditure, CRE, the Government agreed to stabilise the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, PDF, at 9,500 personnel and a major reorganisation of the PDF is in progress in order to ensure that it retains the operational capacity required to fulfil all the roles assigned to it.

The steering committee undertaking the VFM review of the Reserve had to ensure that recommendations regarding the future development of the Reserve had due regard to resource constraints. The VFM review has taken longer than anticipated due to other priorities, such as the CRE. However, in reality, any recommendations that may have been made in advance of the CRE and reorganisation of the PDF would have been quickly superseded.

The steering committee established to oversee the VFM review submitted the completed report to myself and the Secretary General during October 2012. Responses to the recommendations contained in this report are currently being developed and will be completed in advance of its publication. This is a normal part of the VFM process and consistent with the guidelines for such reviews. When this process is completed my Department will arrange a full briefing for the representative associations. I am aware that there is considerable interest in this particular VFM review and I have directed that this process be expedited. I anticipate its completion in the very near future.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

The recommendations contained in the report encompass all aspects of the Reserve, including future roles for the Reserve. However, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be premature for me to engage in discussions at this point, pending completion of the VFM process. There will be an opportunity to discuss all aspects of the report, its recommendations, and future plans, after the report is published. I look forward to having a full discussion at that point.

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