Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of persons who attended training in each year from 2003 to date in 2009 in regard to the Reserve Defence Force; the number of recruits in each year; the number paid a gratuity in each year; the cost of the RDF in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35625/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The information that the Deputy has requested is provided in the tables attached as follows. Table 1: shows the number of Reserve Defence Force (RDF) personnel who undertook paid training, the number recruited and the number paid a gratuity in each year from 2003 to 2 October 2009. Table 2: shows the cost of the RDF, as charged to Subhead D of the Defence Vote for each year from 2003 to 30 September 2009. This subhead includes payments for RDF training, gratuities, allowances and also includes grants paid into unit funds. The table also shows other costs relating to the RDF, as charged to Subheads C, P and R of the Defence Vote, for each period (Subhead R to 31 August 2009).

As the RDF is an integral part of the Defence Forces a range of costs, other than those shown at Table 2, are spread across other Subheads of the Defence Vote. These costs, which include Petrol, Transport, Rations etc, are not currently disaggregated for the RDF.

The budgetary provision for paid training in 2009 is €4.963 million. This will provide for approximately 60,000 paid training man-days and is sufficient to ensure that all current members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are afforded the opportunity to avail of paid training this year. I have been informed by the military authorities that it is anticipated that the provision for 2009 will be utilised in full.

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 RDF had been suspended. Following a review and examination of RDF personnel numbers and budget, I was satisfied that there would be sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve this year. Accordingly, I 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 is subject to the overall strength figure that existed at 1 January 2009 (7,671) not being exceeded and is to be reviewed periodically.

The terms and conditions for receipt of gratuities changed for 2008. In addition to the phased increase in gratuities linked to specified training levels with a minimum aggregate of seven days paid training and the completion of specified voluntary training, there is a requirement for members to have a minimum of one year's service prior to being eligible for receipt of a gratuity. The 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 when the gratuity structure was being revised and the changes had their broad agreement and support.

The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan has provided the framework for the development of the Reserve over recent years. Revised organisation structures came into effect in October 2005 and the Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the PDF. In line with the plan, new equipment, clothing and opportunities for improved training have been delivered. As the Plan is reaching its conclusion, there is a requirement to critically examine the progress that has been made to date and to consider options for the future development of the Reserve. This will be informed by the valuable lessons learned from the implementation process. In addition, the RDF was selected for review as part of the 2009 – 2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative and this Review is scheduled to commence in the near future. It is anticipated that this review, together with the general budgetary situation, will also assist in informing decisions regarding the future development of the Reserve.

Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the budgetary and estimates process for 2010. This includes consideration of the recommendations contained in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government.

TABLE 1 RDF Personnel from 2003 to 2 October 2009

* Gratuities are normally paid at year end

TABLE 2 - Cost of the RDF from 2003 to 30 September 2009

** Car allowance only, the figure for car mileage is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.