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

We have had an independent VFM review which made a number of key recommendations which are being implemented in the public interest and in that of members of the Reserve. I fully understand and appreciate that people have a difficulty on occasions with change and reform. It always takes a little time for matters to bed down. I know and I am conscious of the fact that there is an amount of re organisation involved in this and that, for some, inconvenience too. I am particularly conscious that each and every member of the Reserve Defence Force is a volunteer, giving up his or her time. Whether we are talking about the payment of a gratuity or a payment for training days, the payment is, of course, very modest and I would not pretend otherwise.

We are trying to ensure the funding available is directed in a way that is in the public interest. In the context of training days, we are trying to ensure matters are designed to encourage people who are members of the Reserve to actively engage. I am conscious that this is a reserve force and that it is in place to fill a gap, should there be a gap to be filled, and in places where the Permanent Defence Force requires assistance. It is not to provide a separate role for the RDF. That is an overwhelming aspect of the background to how we deal with the RDF and how it is trained. I hope the more integrated training that will be provided will focus on particular roles the Reserve may be able to play should it be called upon.

See this speech in context