Dáil debates

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Other Questions

Defence Forces Reserve Funding

5:05 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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13. To ask the Minister for Defence the financial supports that will be available to members of the Reserve Defence Forces in the future. [35932/13]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The steering committee which undertook the value for money, VFM, review of the Reserve Defence Force recognised the importance of retaining an effective reserve capacity that can augment the Permanent Defence Force in times of need. The Government values the contribution made by all members of the Reserve Defence Force. Similar to many other voluntary organisations, members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve undertake unpaid activities on a voluntary basis. In addition, members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are afforded the opportunity to avail of paid training.

In line with the recommendations of the VFM review of the Reserve Defence Force, which was published last November, the revised strength ceiling for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is 4,069 personnel. The budget relating to paid training activity for members of the reserve is €3.243 million for 2013. The VFM review of the reserve concluded that the previous allocation of 30,000 paid training man-days was insufficient to sustain a strength level of 4,069 personnel. In order to ensure appropriate training within the existing resource envelope, the VFM review recommended the withdrawal of gratuities from members of the reserve and the reallocation of this money to paid training. This measure has been implemented and has significantly boosted the number of paid training man-days available to members of the reserve, rising from 30,000 paid man-days in 2012 to 41,500 in 2013. This will ensure that all members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are afforded the opportunity to participate in annual collective training and other specialised training and are financially supported while doing so.

These and other reforms being put in place are necessary to ensure the viability of the reserve into the future. I am convinced that such reforms will lead to a more streamlined, fit-for-purpose organisation with a more cohesive relationship between the PDF and the RDF and an overall enhanced defence capability. The enormous efforts being applied to the reform process by all personnel within the Defence Forces is commended and will, I have no doubt, be instrumental in achieving the required outcomes over the coming years.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I have had a number of exchanges with the Minister on the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, and the changes that have taken place in that regard. We had a presentation from the representative association of the RDF, which was very concerned about the changes that have taken place. It challenged the arguments on the number participating in training and on resources. I repeatedly asked the Minister to meet with the RDF representative association to see whether there is scope for improvement and if he can address its concerns. I thought the presentation was most compelling and that the suggestions made were constructive. Could the Minister of State confirm whether the Minister has met the representative association since my call for such a meeting to take place and if he has read the transcript of the presentation it made to the committee and, if not, whether he will read it? Will the Minister or the Minister of State meet the representative association?

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised that members of the reserve were briefed on an ongoing basis as the re-organisation progressed and as soon as relevant plans were finalised. In addition, there will continue to be full consultation with the representative associations on all matters that fall within the scope of representation. Regular bilateral meetings with the associations will continue over the coming months.

As I said in my original reply, following re-organisation the training days increased from 30,000 paid man-days in 2012 to 41,500 in 2013 as a result of the changes introduced by the Government. I commend the work of the reserve. I have no doubt Members opposite do so also. The work is done on a voluntary basis because members of the reserve enjoy the varied work they do, in particular work they carry out on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force. In the Naval Service members of the reserve do a brilliant job on the ships. They are to be commended on the manner in which they are able to work side by side with members of the Permanent Defence Force. I am not aware of the date of the last meeting the Minister, Deputy Shatter, had with the representative association of the RDF. I will try to find out and will revert to the Deputy.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Minister of State give a commitment to meet with the representative association of the RDF during the recess or as soon as he possibly can to listen to their thoughts and ideas? Regardless of the reference to consultation and to bilateral meetings the members of the representative association do not feel they have been heard. While one cannot reverse everything that has been done, there may be scope for improvement. Such a meeting would be constructive. I urge the Minister of State to consider meeting with the association when the opportunity arises, hopefully during the recess.

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I do not have a problem meeting with members of the reserve and the authorities involved. I have met them on previous occasions. I met members of the reserve in Wexford and listened to their concerns.

Photo of Peter MathewsPeter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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It only remains for me to thank Members for their questions, the Minister of State for his replies, and to wish everyone laethanta saoire sona daoibh go léir. Slán agus beannacht libh.

Written Answers follow Adjournment.

The Dáil adjourned at 5.30 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 18 September 2013.