Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan, which was officially launched in July 2004, started a process that will lead to significantly enhanced Reserve Defence Force capabilities while ensuring the traditional strengths of the reserve are maintained. The ambitious programme of reform and modernisation that is set out in the plan will be implemented over the period to end 2009.

On 1 October 2005, an important milestone in the implementation plan was reached with the introduction of 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 military authorities have advised the Minister for Defence that general officers commanding have appointed commanding officers to all appointments in new Reserve Defence Force units.