Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The White Paper confirms that the primary role of the reserve is to augment the PDF in times of crisis and to participate in ceremonial events. Within that context, initiatives for the reserve outlined in the White Paper state that the potential to utilise the reserve in a voluntary unpaid capacity will be progressed in consultation with the representative associations and that consideration will be given to activating reserve sub-units for short periods of training with the PDF units or other support tasks. Specialist members of the RDF will be placed on a panel as a specialist reserve and, subject to their availability, will be considered for an option to meet specialist skills shortages. The terms and conditions of membership of the first line reserve will be revised to include capping the length of service for members, reactivating the annual paid leave, and introducing criteria for the retention of an effective member and the case for current gratuity will be examined. Consideration will be given to establishing a database of former members of the Army reserve, Naval Service reserve, first line reserve and PDF who could be called upon to volunteer in a crisis by listing these as an active reserve.

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