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

The value for money review of the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, recommended the retention of a reserve of approximately 4,000 personnel, with a broad range of reforms aimed at ensuring a viable and cost effective reserve into the future. A high level implementation group, HLIG, consisting of civil and military personnel, is overseeing this implementation process of the major reorganisation of the reserve. When complete, it will enhance the overall capacity of the Defence Forces to deal with a broad range of contingencies.

A new single force structure underpinned by legislation is now in place since 31 March. All former Army and Naval Service Reserve units have now been disestablished, with both Reserve Defence Force and Permanent Defence Force units organised within the new single force structure. While the reassignment process put in place for members of the reserve to positions within the new structure is at an advanced stage of implementation, it is not yet fully complete. Reassignment offers have been made to individual members. However, members have the right to appeal and I understand a number have done so.

The reorganisation of the reserve dovetails with the recent reorganisation of the Permanent Defence Force. This revised structure will improve access to equipment, expertise and appropriate training for members of the reserve. In the current phase of implementation which will extend to 30 September 2013 armed training for members of the reserve has resumed. Co-ordinated training is under way and concentrated on capability development and achieving interoperability standards. This will be met from within the existing reserve training budget. Monetary savings of approximately €11 million in 2013 will be achieved by the reduction in direct expenditure on the reserve.

The changes being implemented are a direct response to the identified need for reform and will assist in ensuring a sustainable and fit for purpose reserve into the future. I am satisfied that the changes being introduced will assist in achieving this goal.

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