Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 423: To ask the Minister for Defence the measures which have been taken to improve the capabilities of the Reserve Defence Force in line with the RDF review implementation plan; his views on the future role of the RDF; if the recruitment and awareness campaign postponed in 2008 will proceed in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17476/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Reserve Defence Force Review implementation Plan provides for the phased enhancement of the Reserve over the period from 2004 to end 2009. Significant progress has been made to date in implementing the plan. The Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force, there has been increased investment in the Reserve with new equipment and clothing and opportunities for improved training. Pilot schemes for the introduction of the Integrated Reserve were conducted in 2007 and 2008 and plans to send members of the Reserve overseas by end 2009 were at an advanced stage.

The Government decision of 8th July 2008 set out a requirement for savings to be achieved across the public sector. In this context, the planned recruitment and awareness campaign for the Reserve Defence Force was postponed. With effect from the 27th March 2009 the Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment to the Public Service and as with the public service generally, the Defence Organisation is required to operate with reduced funding for 2009. In this context all recruitment to the Reserve has been suspended for the present.

The moratorium and reduced budgetary provision have also prevented the recruitment of members of the Reserve to the Permanent Defence Force for the purpose of overseas service and this project has been postponed for the foreseeable future. This is a disappointing development for those members of the Reserve who had volunteered as candidates for overseas service and I would like to thank them for the dedication and interest that they have shown.

While the budgetary provision for the training of members of the Reserve has been reduced, it will be sufficient to allow all current members of the Reserve to undertake paid training this year. Clearly we are facing challenging times and the reduction in funding for 2009 has impacted on the Reserve as it has the broader Defence Organisation. However there are no plans to disband the Reserve Defence Force and I am not considering any proposals in this regard.

As the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan is reaching its conclusion, options for the future development of the Reserve will be considered. This will be informed by the lessons learned from the implementation process. In addition, the Reserve Defence Force has been selected for review as part of the 2009 – 2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative. This review will include an examination of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Reserve. It is anticipated that this review, together with the general budgetary situation, will also assist in informing decisions regarding the future of the Reserve.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 424: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of applicants, in the context of the suspension of recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force which has been announced in recent weeks by the Deputy Chief of Staff, operations, to enlist in the reserve as of the date of suspension, by brigade and for the Naval Service Reserve, differentiating between those who have undertaken some element of the medical examination against those who have not been medically tested, in whole or in part. [17754/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Defence if, having regard to the suspension of promotions in the Defence Forces, Reserve Defence Force potential officers who have satisfactorily concluded module one and who have commenced module 11 will, subject to passing the necessary examinations, be commissioned in 2009; if privates who have commenced RDF potential NCOs courses will, subject to passing the relevant examinations, be promoted in 2009. [17755/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The recent government Decision on savings measures on public service numbers is being implemented in the Defence Forces. In this context all promotion within the Reserve has been suspended for the present. The implications of the Government Decision are currently under consideration by my officials in consultation with the military authorities and the Department of Finance.

While the restriction on recruitment, promotion and payment of allowances for the performance of duties of a higher grade applies to the Defence Forces across the board, questions have arisen in relation to a number of issues and particular cases, including the impact on promotion competitions which had advanced, for example to the final medical stages. Officials from my Department and the military authorities are working together to clarify all the issues arising.