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

The decisions made in this regard were based on the operational assessments and judgements of the chief of staff and Secretary General of my Department looking at the most appropriate locations to ensure we preserve a nationwide representation of the reserve. In respect of the issue the Senator raised relating to Cork, I emphasise that all reservists will be invited to apply for positions within the new organisational structure. They must decide based on their particular circumstances as to which units best serve their needs. This can and may include transferring from their current corps such as cavalry to an alternative such as infantry. Every effort will be made to facilitate reservists with their choice, however, this may not be feasible if units are over-subscribed. As this process unfolds, there will be a clearer picture as to the locations which reservists wish to relocate to. It is important to state that military authorities have informed that they do not envisage transporting reservists from Clonmel to Cork or other locations.

I hope members of the Reserve Defence Force, particularly active members who are doing the community a service and are committed to and very much enjoy their involvement and engagement in the reserve, will show the flexibility and understanding that is necessary in the circumstances that now pertain. In the context of the reserve, we must ensure that it has a capability, that members of the reserve participate in the minimum training and that the reserve re-adjusts itself to the very substantial and dramatic changes made in the Permanent Defence Force where we have moved from a three-brigade to a two-brigade structure. I have an obligation in current circumstances as Minister for Justice, Defence and Equality to ensure that the re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force is reflected in an appropriate re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force in the context of ensuring the public gets value for money and that we do not unduly waste resources. In addition, the advantage of the new arrangements is that there will be greater connectivity between the Permanent Defence Force and the reserve, as opposed to a reserve operating to a great extent as a separate organisation save for the PDF cadre that was available to assist it in its operations and training.

I hope the reforms will be welcomed by the members of the reserve insofar as they will have a changing and, I hope, more relevant role and a greater engagement with the PDF in general. I also hope that those members of the reserve who have been engaged and active will continue to do so. I am also anxious to ensure that, in the context of the reserve, we have a real strength as opposed to a nominal one. I have concerns that, as I pointed out in 2011, only 2,010 of the 4,500 members of the reserve fully participated in the minimum seven days training that is prescribed to maintain some degree of capability within the reserve. I am sure the reservists in Clonmel are disappointed that this location has not been retained. We will over a period of months be working through the implementation of the reforms, which will not be implemented overnight. A consultative process is taking place. I wish all the members in Clonmel well and thank them for their service so far. I hope those members in Clonmel who are committed to and actively participating in the reserve can re-adjust to maintain their involvement.