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

There is a real difference between the establishment figures of the Reserve and the actual figures. The Army Reserve establishment is 9,292 and the effective strength is 4,293, although not all of those are engaging in the training days made available to them. The Naval Service Reserve projected establishment is 400 and the real figure is 180. Therefore, the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force is 4,473. We must look at this. A significant number of individuals start initial training in the Reserve and fall away within a short period of time. Resources are put into that also.

We must look at the role the Reserve should play. Given the professionalism of the Permanent Defence Force, we are fortunate that the Reserve has not had to be called out for any major functions for quite some years. This is because the PDF is equipped to deal with the various issues that arise. We must also ensure that the Reserve is not deployed in an activity for which it has not been trained.

These issues are addressed in the VFM. I hope to be in a position to publish it in a few weeks at most, certainly during the course of this month. We will then have a constructive discussion at the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.

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