Written answers

Wednesday, 9 November 2005

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Review

8:00 pm

Photo of Bernard AllenBernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Defence if, having regard to the stated policy requirement that each new reserve unit will have a close supportive working relationship with a PDF unit, the way in which this requirement was met in the location of new reserve units headquarters shown in the published brochure for the first southern brigade area; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the case of the reserve units located in Sarsfield Barracks and Kickham Barracks, the relevant PDF units are in Collins Barracks, Cork, and in the case of all infantry and artillery units not one of the headquarters is located with the parent units in Collins Barracks. [33383/05]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan, which was launched in July 2004, started a process that will lead to a significantly enhanced Reserve Defence Force capability while ensuring the preservation of the traditional strengths of the reserve such as the spirit of voluntary commitment, the maintaining of strong links with local communities and a nationwide geographical spread.

On 1 October 2005, an important milestone in the process was reached with the introduction of the new reserve organisational structures. The reserve is now organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force with an Army reserve comprising three brigades and a Reserve Defence Force training authority and a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. The close working and support relationship between PDF and RDF units is an important contributory factor in ensuring that the RDF will acquire the appropriate capabilities as well as enhancing RDF and PDF interoperability, which is a key focus of the implementation plan. This will require co-operation between affiliated PDF and RDF units. The RDF training strategy specifies a number of ways in which the PDF and RDF will co-operate in training for improved capabilities and interoperability.

The revision of RDF training syllabi and the acquisition of modern weapons for RDF units will contribute to enhanced RDF capability and interoperability. In addition, the provision of PDF instructors to RDF units during periods of full-time instruction, RDF personnel undertaking training with PDF units, RDF personnel participating in exercises with PDF units, PDF assessment of RDF training and the PDF providing training facilities including transport, equipment and infrastructure for RDF training, are just some examples of the type of support and working relationships that are envisaged.

The development of the integrated element of the reserve will further enhance the working and support relationship between the PDF and the RDF, as will the development of policies for the selection of suitably qualified reserve personnel for overseas service. The military authorities carefully considered all of the aforementioned issues in developing a plan for the new reserve organisational structures. The widespread consultation that was a feature of the planning process was an essential factor in ensuring that the new reserve organisational structures are consistent with the Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan requirements. The plan was supported by the representative associations in particular the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association and I am confident that new reserve organisational structures throughout the country are appropriate and will contribute to a greatly enhanced reserve capability.

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