Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 372: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength of the Army, Navy and Air Corps reserve; if same has increased, decreased or remained the same in each of the past five years to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25232/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The strength of the Army and Navy Reserve over the past five years is set out in the tabular statement under:

In the five-year period 2004 to date in 2009, the strength of the Army and Naval Reserves (there are no reservists serving with the Air Corps) decreased from 12,767 on 31 December 2004 to 7,461 on 30 April 2009.

This decline in numbers coincides with the launch of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan which was formally launched in July 2004 and provides for the phased enhancement of Reserve capabilities over the period to the end of 2009.

The plan sets out the proposed establishment of the Reserve. The establishment of the Non-Integrated element of the Reserve was set at 9,692. This establishment came into force in October 2005 when the Reserve was re-organised.

In addition, the plan provides for the development of an Integrated element of the Army Reserve with a proposed establishment of 2,656 personnel. In line with the plan, a pilot Integration project was initiated in 2007 and whilst numbers participating were less than expected, valuable lessons were learned.

I have previously acknowledged that numbers in the Reserve have declined over recent years. This trend in reduced volunteerism is not confined to the Reserve but is indicative of broader societal trends. It should also be noted that, as part of the implementation process, a more rigorous approach is now taken to removing the names of non-effective personnel from Unit rolls. This accounts for part of the apparent fall in numbers over recent years.

In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) was suspended. Following a subsequent review and examination of RDF personnel numbers and budgets for 2009, I was satisfied that there is sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Reserve this year.

Accordingly, on 19 May last I announced that limited recruitment to fill vacancies arising due to existing Reserve members resigning, or being discharged this year in the normal manner could proceed. The numbers recruited will depend on the numbers leaving. This limited recruitment will be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the RDF and the future budgetary provision.