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

I can confirm that I have read the transcript from the appearance of the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association, RDFRA, before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality and have also read the RDFRA written submission to that committee. The completion of the independently chaired value for money review is an important contribution to the reorganisation of the Defence Forces. Implementation of the approach recommended will ensure that the reserve continues to provide the Permanent Defence Force with appropriate additional capacity for contingency situations. It will also maintain a channel for the provision of a well-trained voluntary military contribution from communities at local level.

The value for money review of the Reserve Defence Force was conducted in accordance with the guidelines for such reviews, which are followed by all Departments. In accordance with these guidelines, a steering committee which included members from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was appointed to oversee the review. The independent chair was drawn from a list maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The members of the steering committee made their recommendations collectively, having regard to the evidence uncovered during the review.

I note the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association, RDFRA, is not satisfied with the recommendations of the review. However, I was disappointed at the allegations of bias made. This is a slight on the integrity of the steering committee which is grossly unfair and unfounded. The review was comprehensive and systematic. The subsequent reorganisation proposals were recommended by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and the Secretary General of my Department. At no stage was there interference by me, as Minister, with those engaged in conducting the review. Following their appointment, I simply awaited receipt of their report when they had completed their work.

I previously stated I would be willing to listen to points raised by the RDFRA and weigh them on their merits. I note there were two dominant and linked themes within the presentation and discussion, namely, reservists with specialist skills from their civilian lives should be better utilised and called up or mobilised in a paid capacity in non-crisis situations and that the ongoing calling up or mobilisation of reservists should be facilitated by employment protection legislation.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

This matter was comprehensively dealt with in the VFM review. The role of the Reserve Defence Force remains to augment the Permanent Defence Force in crisis situations. The mobilisation of reservists must be justifiable having due regard to both the gravity of the situation and the potential disruption to reservists, their families and employers. I could not justify calling up reservists in the absence of a clear requirement for additional capacity. Of course, it is a very desirable feature of the reserve that volunteers bring a whole range of talents, skills and experience through their commitment. The VFM review did recommend that the utilisation of the skills of members of the reserve should be considered on a voluntary basis and in an unpaid capacity. This represents a balanced approach to utilisation of the reserve.

I will, of course, take other views on board and look forward to further engaging with the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on this matter in the future.

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