Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress made to date regarding the execution of the Reserve Defence Forces implementation plan. [21981/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The White Paper on Defence 2000 and the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan (2002) set out the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) together with an Implementation Plan extending to 2009. The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) now has a clearly defined role, an enhanced relationship with the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), better equipment and improved training.

The Implementation Plan is being rolled-out on a phased basis up to 2009. There has been significant progress to date in implementing the detailed recommendations of the Plan e.g. a new organisation structure implemented with effect from October 2005 and major improvements in clothing, equipment, training and resourcing. In addition, the RDF is now structured along similar lines to the PDF (3 Brigade structure, Brigade Training Centres, RDF Training Authority). The introduction of the integrated element of the Reserve is being addressed in the current year as a pilot exercise across all 3 Brigades. The integration project will be reviewed in the light of this exercise.

A publicity and recruitment campaign for the Reserve is planned over a 2/3 year period, commencing early in 2008.

I am pleased that the Implementation Plan is progressing well. My Department will continue to monitor progress in the remaining period of the Plan.