Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 555: To ask the Minister for Defence the position with regard to the overseas deployment of the Reserve Defence Force; his views on recent media articles which indicate that a stay has been placed on all overseas service for same; and the reason for such a decision. [15152/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The plan to deploy members of the Reserve Defence Force on overseas peace support operations has been postponed for the foreseeable future.

The Government has introduced a moratorium on recruitment to the Public Service with effect from 27th March 2009. This moratorium prevents the planned recruitment of members of the Reserve to the Permanent Defence Force for the purpose of overseas service. In addition, reductions in the Defence payroll budget have limited the scope for payment of additional personnel. For these reasons the planned deployment cannot now proceed.

The pilot project to send a small number of Reservists overseas by end 2009 was at an advanced stage and this is a disappointing development for all concerned. I would specifically like to thank those members of the Reserve who have participated in integrated training and volunteered themselves as candidates for overseas service, for the interest and commitment they have shown.

I will ensure that this project is re-visited as soon as circumstances permit.