Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 428: To ask the Minister for Defence the terms of reference of the value for money exercise recently announced for the Reserve Defence Force; the methodology being employed; the person who will undertake the exercise; if the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association will be formally involved; when the report is to be concluded; the expected timeframe within which the recommendations will be implemented; and the other value for money exercises being conducted with respect to the Defence Forces. [17758/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government's Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative is overseen by the Value for Money and Policy Review Central Steering Committee. Government Department's are required to submit review topics for inclusion in a rolling programme of Value for Money Reviews. The Department of Defence reviews approved by Government for inclusion in the 2009 – 2011 round of Value for Money and Policy Reviews are: A Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force. A Value for Money Review of the Training of General Service Recruits.

Value for Money Reviews are conducted in line with guidelines issued by the Department of Finance. Generic terms of reference for such reviews are outlined in these guidelines. Value for Money Reviews within the Department of Defence are overseen by a Steering Committee and for the 2009 – 2011 round of Reviews, the Government has decided that an independent chairman will be appointed for each Steering Committee. A Chairman will be drawn from a panel, which has been established for this purpose. The Steering Committee will also comprise of senior managers from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces and will include representation from the Department of Finance. Representative Associations have not been formally involved in any of the Value for Money Reviews undertaken in Defence.

The Review is now being initiated and when formed, the Steering Committee will draft terms of reference in consultation with the Department of Finance. The methodology will be developed once the terms of reference are approved. The date of publication of the Review will be determined when the project plan and work schedule are completed. The timeframe for implementation of recommendations arising from the Review will be as outlined in the Review, when complete.

Other Value for Money Reviews undertaken: An Expenditure Review of Maintenance of Aircraft in the Air Corps was published in 2006. A Value for Money Review of Clothing Procurement in the Defence Forces was published in 2007. A Value for Money Review of Naval Service Vessel Maintenance was completed in March 2009. A Value for Money Review of Military Training Lands is ongoing.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Permanent Defence Force or Naval Service as at end March 2009 assigned to the Reserve, by rank, indicating those who are assigned on a full-time basis and those who are serving with the Reserve on another basis; the number, in respect of those who are assigned to the Reserve on a non full-time basis who are in receipt of allowance for such assignments; and if, in respect of personnel assigned to the Reserve, the number serving is in excess of the establishment. [17759/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As a result of the re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in 2005 the establishment of the Cadre staff was reduced to figures of 298 in the Army Reserve and 22 in the Naval Service Reserve. The strength of the RDF comprises three elements: Personnel who retained their pre-2005 appointments following the re-organisation. Personnel who held appointments pre-2005, but whose appointments were not continued. These personnel continue to serve in the RDF Cadre, but are designated as Serving Without Appointment (SWA). Personnel who, for a variety of reasons, are on long-term attachment to the RDF Cadre units. These personnel do not hold either current, or pre-2005 appointments. There are 369 personnel in the first two categories above. A breakdown of these, by rank is provided in Table 1. In addition 64 members are on long-term attachment. Table 2 provides a breakdown, by rank of these.

All members of the Permanent Defence Force or Naval Service who are assigned to the Reserve are assigned on a full time basis. The personnel listed in Table 1 are in receipt of allowances and the personnel on Table 2 are not.

Table 1

Table 2

* Training Authority

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 430: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason, in respect of two eastern brigade Reserve and the written instruction issued on 30 March 2009, with the exception of career courses, guidance has been issued indicating that seven days training only will be made available with no guidance issued on the implications for payment of gratuity. [17760/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The eligibility criteria for the payment of a gratuity annually to members of the Reserve Defence Forces have not changed for 2009. The Defence Organisation, as with the public service generally, is required to operate with reduced funding and in this context the current provision for training of members of the Reserve has been reduced by €1.64m for 2009.

As there are finite resources available for paid training, all current members of the Reserve must be afforded the opportunity to undertake training as outlined in the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, to the greatest extent possible. The allocation for 2009 will provide for a minimum of 7 days paid training for each reservist within the current strength. The military authorities have decided to suspend integrated training this year while the options for developing the concept are re-considered.

Significant changes to the gratuities paid to members of the Reserve who undertake specified training were introduced in 2008. The previous "flat rate" gratuity was increased to provide for differing levels of specified voluntary training and paid training. These improved rates and the conditions for award of gratuities were sanctioned by the Department of Finance. The Reserve Defence Force Representative Association was consulted by my Department and the changes had their broad agreement and support.

The terms and conditions for the payment of a gratuity have not changed for 2009. In addition to the phased increase in gratuities linked to specified training levels, both paid and voluntary, there is a requirement for members to have a minimum of one year service prior to being eligible for receipt of a gratuity.