Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied with fitness levels within the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42754/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Members of the Reserve Defence Force undertake both paid and unpaid training on a part-time voluntary basis. Given the limited time that members of the Reserve can devote to training, the primary thrust of such training is on developing the requisite military skills. In light of this limited availability, it would be impractical to introduce extensive physical training regimes during periods of Reserve Training. The military authorities are developing a Physical Training Concept for the Reserve to pragmatically support Reservists in developing their physical fitness levels. It is anticipated that this concept will be approved for implementation in 2009.