Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 256: To ask the Minister for Defence if financial recognition of service, whether by way of pension or[i] ex gratia [/i]payment, is made by his Department to long-serving members of the FCA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35870/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil, now known as the Army Reserve, is the main component of the Reserve Defence Force or RDF and is essentially a part-time force in which service is given on a voluntary basis. Service in the RDF is therefore fundamentally different in nature from service in the Permanent Defence Force or PDF, in particular as regards the respective terms and conditions of service involved. Thus, the concept of pensionability which applies to service in the PDF would be inappropriate in relation to the RDF. In addition to the pay appropriate to their ranks, members who attend annual training are paid gratuities on account of losses and obligations arising from their membership of the RDF.