Written answers

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Reserve

9:00 pm

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Defence the 2010 programme for the Reserve Defence Force. [15613/10]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the military authorities that, within the current budget, the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) programme of training for 2010 will include Unit nightly parades, weekend training field days, annual summer camps and career courses for reservists.

The provision in the current year for Reserve Defence Force Pay etc. is €4.7 million. This amount includes €2.478 million for paid training for reservists. It is anticipated that this level of funding will provide for approximately 31,000 paid training man-days for reservists.

Training in the Reserve is comprised of both voluntary and paid training. In light of the reduced paid training day provision for 2010, it is anticipated that there will be an increased emphasis on voluntary unpaid training and the allocation of paid training to individual reservists will take account of voluntary unpaid training undertaken.

The aim is to ensure that reservists who complete specified voluntary unpaid training will be afforded the opportunity to avail of a minimum of 7 days paid training and that there be an allocation of training man-days to be used to deliver enhanced training to selected members of the Reserve, through full time courses of instruction in addition to their annual training.

Photo of Pádraic McCormackPádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Defence the size of the Reserve Defence Force in 2007, 2008, 2009 and to date in 2010 inclusive; the percentage decline from its peak to its lowest point; if he is satisfied with the size of the Reserve Defence Force at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15693/10]

Photo of Tony KilleenTony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The size of the Reserve Defence Force in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (as at 31 March 2010, the latest date for which figures are available), as advised by the Military Authorities, is set out in the tabular statement below.

The percentage decline during that period, a total of 2,014 personnel, equates to just under 24%.

YearTotal RDF Strength
20078,408
20087,671
20096,644
2010 (as at 31 March)6,394

As with the broader public service, the Defence Organisation is required to operate with reduced funding in 2010. Limited recruitment in order to replace existing members who leave the RDF was sanctioned last May. This is subject to the overall strength figure that existed at 1 January 2009 (7,671) not being exceeded. This ongoing limited recruitment is being closely monitored and will be kept under review in the light of the future budgetary provision available to the Department of Defence.

In addition, last November sanction was given for the advancement of Privates from 2* to 3* for those members who have achieved the necessary qualifications, along with promotions from Private to Corporal for those currently qualified and the promotion of one Commandant to Lt. Colonel. These promotions were made on phased basis to March 2010.

The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, which was developed following broad stakeholder consultation, has provided the framework for the development of the Reserve over recent years. The Plan has informed the development of the Reserve up to the end of 2009. There is now a requirement to examine the progress that has been made and to chart the future direction of the Reserve. Work has commenced on a Value for Money Review of the Reserve and the findings of this Review, together with the lessons learned from the Implementation Plan to date, will inform future plans for the Reserve.

I am advised by the Military Authorities that the Reserve Defence Force retain the capacity to fulfil its duties and, accordingly, I am satisfied that its numbers are adequate at this time.

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