John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will confirm or deny reports that there are plans in place to downgrade the Reserve Defence Forces and abolish the unit completely by 2011. [20096/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to downgrade the Reserve Defence Force or abolish the Reserve. The Government introduced a moratorium on recruitment to the Public Service with effect from 27th March 2009 and the Defence Organisation is required to operate with reduced funding for 2009. In this context, all recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force had been suspended. The first priority is to consolidate the gains that have been made over recent years in developing the Reserve. I have today announced the re-commencement of limited recruitment to the Reserve so as to replace existing members who leave.

While the budgetary provision for 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 during 2009. Discussions are ongoing with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association in relation to a range of issues relating to the Reserve including the suspension of recruitment. 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. It is anticipated that this review, together with the general budgetary situation, will also assist in informing decisions regarding the future of the Reserve.

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 abolish the Reserve Defence Force and I am not considering any proposals in this regard.