Written answers

Tuesday, 19 February 2008

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Reserve

9:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 160: To ask the Minister for Defence the new proposals in regard to strengthening the Defence Forces Reserve in 2008. [6343/08]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan provides for the phased enhancement of Reserve capabilities over the period to the end of 2009.

The plan provided for a non-integrated Army Reserve with an establishment of 9,292 personnel, and a Naval Service Reserve with an establishment of 400 personnel. Revised organisational structures which included closure and amalgamation of units, came into effect in October 2005. The Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the PDF with three brigades, a Reserve Defence Force Training Authority and a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. Improvements in clothing, equipment and quantity and quality of training have been delivered. These factors were identified as being important issues for members of the Reserve, as well as being necessary to improve the overall capability of the Reserve. In addition, the Plan provides for the development of an Integrated Army Reserve. In accordance with the Implementation Plan, a pilot scheme for the Integrated Reserve was run in 2007. The military authorities have advised me that the Integrated Reserve will continue to be developed in 2008 in the light of experience gained during 2007.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a publicity and awareness campaign to promote recruitment to the RDF is being planned and will be carried out later in the year. I am satisfied that the outstanding elements of the Implementation Plan will be addressed over the period to end 2009.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.