Written answers

Thursday, 9 July 2009

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Reserve

12:00 pm

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 709: To ask the Minister for Defence the number and rank of members of the Permanent Defence Force attached full time and part time to the Reserve Defence Force in each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the cost each year respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29532/09]

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 710: To ask the Minister for Defence the reductions in the Permanent Defence Force staff attached to the Reserve Defence Force which are planned in 2009; when they will be implemented; the expected savings arising from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29533/09]

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 711: To ask the Minister for Defence the number and rank of Reserve Defence Force members who were discharged, resigned or retired in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 respectively; the number attested in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29534/09]

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 712: To ask the Minister for Defence if promotions in the Reserve Defence Force above the rank of private are permitted; if not, the way he proposes to ensure the continuity of the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29535/09]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 709, 710, 711 and 712 together.

The strength of the RDF Cadre 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.

I am informed by the military authorities that as at 31 May 2009 421 personnel were serving with the RDF Cadre. There were 360 personnel in the first two categories above. A breakdown of these, by rank is provided in Table 1. In addition 61 members are on long-term attachment. Table 2 provides a breakdown, by rank of these. Tables 3 – 6 provide this information for the years 2005 – 2008 respectively.

The full costs associated with the RDF Cadre are not recorded under separate headings within the PDF expenditure records. Consequently, this information is not readily available but I will communicate further to the Deputy in due course.

The recent Government Decision on savings measures on public service numbers is being implemented in the Defence Forces. The economic reality is such that the Government decision must be implemented.

While there are no immediate plans to reduce the number of Cadre members, it can be anticipated that flexibility and re-structuring will be required arising from the implementation of the Government cost saving measures. I intend, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organization to operate effectively across all roles.

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.

The numbers of members of the Reserve discharged, resigned and retired over the last three years are presented in Table 7 below. This also includes the numbers enlisted in the same periods.

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 had been suspended.

Following a review and examination of Reserve Defence Force personnel numbers and budget, I am satisfied that there is sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve this year. Accordingly, I have recently approved the commencement of limited recruitment to fill vacancies which may arise due to existing Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve members resigning or being discharged during 2009, in the normal manner. This limited recruitment will be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the Reserve Defence Force and the future budgetary provision.

My Department, in the first instance, is progressing the position in regard to promotions in the Permanent Defence Force. In this regard, I have made a submission to my colleague, the Minister for Finance. The implications of the Government Decision regarding promotion insofar as it relates to the Reserve Defence Force is currently being examined by my officials in conjunction with the military authorities.

Table 1

CADRE STRENGTH MAY 2009
LT COLCOMDTCAPTLT2LTTOTALCSCQMSSGTCPLTOTALPTESGRAND
OFFICERSNCOSTOTAL
1 S BDE2571412430964381
1 S BDE S.W.A101211142539
2 E BDE156130287661284
2 E BDE S.W.A01189
4 W BDE2831313228869385
4 W BDE S.W.A014142842
RDFTA211211135
RDFTA S.W.A000
NSR1233429315
NSR S.W.A000
TOTAL Cadre619112038787912621121270
Total SWA00000001226296190
1 S.W.A.: Serving without appointment
2 TA: · Training Authority

Table 2

ATTACHMENTS CADRE STRENGTH – MAY 2009
LT COLCOMDTCAPTLT2LTTOTALCSCQMSSGTCPLTOTALPTESGRAND
OFFICERSNCOSTOTAL
1 S BDE22187161937
2 E BDE26191110
4 W BDE022911
NS RDF01123
TOTAL028101101811203061

Table 3

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