David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 22: To ask the Minister for Defence the situation with regard to the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force; his further plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24296/04]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to allow members of the FCA and Naval Service Reserve to serve in operations overseas within two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24272/04]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will elaborate on his recent announcement that members of the FCA and Naval Service Reserve will be able to serve in operations overseas within two years; if these members of the Army Reserve will receive sufficient training prior to being deployed abroad; if he plans a new recruitment drive to encourage more full-time staff to the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24195/04]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 24 and 26 together.

On 26 July 2004, my predecessor, Deputy Michael Smith, officially launched the Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan which is the start of a process that will radically change the structure and configuration of the reserve while preserving its traditional strengths. These include such things as the spirit of voluntary commitment, maintaining strong links with local communities and a nationwide geographical spread.

The Permanent Defence Force is now organised in a three brigade structure and a Defence Forces training centre. The Reserve Defence Force will be similarly reorganised and restructured and it is envisaged that the implementation of this plan will take place over the course of the next six years. The plan defines the organisational framework of the new Army Reserve and provides for a greater concentration of units within each Army brigade area. There will be mergers both at battalion and company level as well as between sister technical support units. This will be the key to providing enhanced training facilities and opportunities for each member of the reserve.

In producing detailed proposals for the restructuring of reserve units within each brigade area, the military authorities have taken due cognisance of the existing FCA presence within communities. Consultation and communication have been a priority throughout the development of the plan. They will continue to be important if the changes now proposed are to be carried through smoothly and effectively. Reserve units will be kept informed of developments on a regular basis.

Members of the FCA are already seeing the benefits of the reorganisation process in terms of better clothing, improved equipment and more and better quality training. As the process develops we will see additional benefits in terms of a clearer role for the reserve, a better overall organisation structure and opportunities for suitably qualified personnel to serve overseas. We will also see benefits from the closer integration of the reserve with the Army.

As indicated in the White Paper on defence, an important change recommended by the study of the reserve is that members of the FCA and Naval Service Reserve should be considered for participation in overseas peace support missions subject to suitable qualifications, personal availability and appropriate advance training. Service by reservists on overseas peace support missions in other countries is quite common. General criteria governing selection for overseas service come within the scope of representation and any matters relating to overseas service by members of the reserve which come within the scope of representation will be raised with the representative associations at the appropriate forum. The question of the security of civilian employment for the members of the reserve who may wish to serve overseas will be considered as part of the ongoing implementation process.

As regards the Permanent Defence Force, the White Paper on defence of February 2000 provided for an overall strength of 10,500 for the Permanent Defence Force with the option of an additional 250 recruits in training at any one time. In the event, no operational requirement to exercise the additional 250 option arose. It was decided, having regard to training requirements, an assessment of the defence and security environment and for budgetary planning purposes, that the option could be phased out.

The ongoing recruitment campaign for enlistment in the Defence Forces is designed to address any shortfall in personnel in the Defence Forces. From January 2004 to date there has been an intake of 278 general service recruits into the Permanent Defence Force. The requirements for any further intakes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. It is important to note that the baseline White Paper strength figure of 10,500 for the Permanent Defence Force is being maintained. I am also satisfied that the current strength is adequate to meet all needs arising at home and overseas.