Written answers

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Reserve

10:00 pm

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the integrated reserve; the number in each respective rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24572/09]

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Defence his further plans for the integrated reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24574/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 87 together.

The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). The RDF Review Implementation Plan provides for the phased enhancement of the Reserve over the period to end 2009. The Plan proposed an establishment of 9,692 for the non-integrated element of the Reserve (9,292 Army Reserve and 400 Naval Service Reserve) and revised organisational structures to give effect to this proposal were introduced on 1st October 2005. The Reserve Defence Force Training Authority, which is intended to be part of the integrated Reserve was also established on a temporary non-integrated basis in October 2005 and has an establishment of 55 members.

In addition, the plan provides for the development of an integrated element of the Reserve with a proposed strength of 2,656. In line with the plan, a pilot scheme for the development of the integrated Reserve was conducted in 2007 and continued into 2008. Approximately 300 Reservists completed the pilot training. The numbers participating in the integrated Reserve pilots were disappointing and the Military authorities have decided to suspend integrated training this year.

As the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan is reaching its conclusion, options for the future development of the Reserve, including the development of the integrated Reserve, will be considered. This will be informed by the lessons learned from the implementation process, including the integration pilots. 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 will also assist in informing decisions regarding the future of the Reserve.

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