David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Defence the organisational structure of the Reserve Defence Forces; the establishment and vacancies in each unit by rank respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34400/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is divided into the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve. The First Line Reserve is comprised of former members of the Permanent Defence Force and there is no set establishment. The Army Reserve is organised along similar lines to the PDF, in three brigades and a Reserve Defence Force Training Authority. There is also a dedicated Naval Service Reserve.

In addition the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation plan provides for the establishment of an Integrated Army Reserve. Integration commenced in May 2007, on a pilot basis in each Brigade. This is in line with the recommendations of the Implementation Board Report. 180 personnel have completed the required training. There was no expectation that the numbers participating would reach the planned strength (2,656) in the first year. Indeed, the Implementation Board Report makes it very clear that there would be a pilot exercise and while numbers are low, very valuable lessons will have been learned. The military authorities are currently carrying out a review of Integration with a view to identifying changes that may be required in the future.

The military authorities have advised me of the establishment and vacancies in each unit by rank and these are provided in the tabular statement.