Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 69: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made on implementing the recommendation of the Reserve Defence Force implementation board report regarding the reactivation of the reserve of officers-men first line and front line reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42890/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan provides for a phased approach to enhancing the capabilities of the reserve over the period to the end of 2009. The introduction of new RDF organisational structures, the development of new training syllabi, improved equipment and clothing have successfully been delivered as part of phase 1 of the plan. Phase 2 of the implementation plan is currently being implemented and a pilot scheme for the integrated Army reserve was initiated in 2007 and subsequently extended into 2008. In line with the implementation plan timeframe, proposals with respect to the first line reserve have been prepared by the military authorities and are currently being considered. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and a proposed plan of action in due course. My primary objective is to ensure the experience and knowledge of the former Permanent Defence Force personnel of the first line reserve is utilised for the maximum benefit of the Defence Forces.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister has agreed in the past that the integrated Army reserve is not working and it has not taken off as expected. The first line reserve is a valuable resource. For example, in 1999, more than 300 officers took redundancy and since then between 20 and 30 officers annually have left the Army prematurely. This vast resource is available to the Minister. If the integrated Army reserve does not work, this is the solution because these people can travel abroad and fit in easily with the Permanent Defence Force because they have the training. It would be difficult to find people in the Reserve Defence Force to do that because of their training and background.

When will action be taken? The report was accepted by the Government. When will action be taken? When will recruitment take place? Will the Minister provide an adequate incentive for former officers to become involved again?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not disagree with the Deputy about using the first line reserve if the integrated reserve concept does not work but, as he will be aware, the changes in the reserve were to take place over a number of phases. The first phase comprised additional training, radical changes in the organisational structure, additional equipment, changes in the gratuity system and so on. All those have been put in place. We are now at the next stage, which is the development of the integrated reserve. I agree with the Deputy that the initial outcome of the pilot projects we initiated in this regard was disappointing. The first pilot project was undertaken in 2007 and it continued into 2008. More than 300 people have completed training for the integrated reserve. We never envisaged reaching a figure of 2,500 as a result of the pilots but at least we have made a start.

The development of the first line reserve is looked on as the next phase. We have resolved the integrated reserve problem. I do not disagree with the Deputy that if we run into problems with this and have to give up or it does not develop as we expected, we can look more closely at the front line reserve. However, we are not giving up on the integrated reserve. We have learned valuable lessons from the pilot projects and changes will be made in the recruitment of people to the integrated reserve as a result. The next phase will be first line reserve and we see a role for both. The intention is to make the PDF as efficient and effective as possible, with which the Deputy agrees.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am glad the Minister accepts the first line reserve can become the foundation stone or the spine of the integrated reserve and this presents a great opportunity. Will the Minister outline a timeframe within which definite progress will be made during 2009?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is the Deputy referring to the first line reserve?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yes.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the House will be aware, the implementation report made various recommendations about pay and conditions, recruitment, training and the relationship between the first line reserve and the Army reserve and Naval Service reserve. The military authorities had reservations about some of these recommendations, on which they are working. They will present me with their final recommendations as to what should happen. I have asked them to speed up the process and contact me as quickly as possible.