Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army Reserve receives ongoing training and upgrading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14535/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Training in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is voluntary and comprises of both unpaid and paid training. The provision for paid training for Reservists for 2012 is €2.5m. Based on the average rate per man-day for 2011, the 2012 provision will enable approximately 30,000 paid training man-days to be made available in the current year. This will provide for training of existing Reservists and facilitate 14 days paid recruit training for approximately 400 recruits to the Reserve Defence Force during 2012. The number of training days in 2011 showed that some 2,788 Reservists utilised 30,176 paid training man-days. Based upon this trend, the 2012 provision should ensure that members of the Reserve wishing to avail of paid training are afforded the opportunity to undertake at least 7 days paid training.

The RDF Training is underpinned by modern content and delivery methods, including distance and modular learning and is based upon the RDF course syllabi. The Reserve Defence Force Training Authority (RDFTA) co-ordinates the conduct of courses as outlined in the Annual Training Directive. Unit level training also includes locally based field days and weekend camps.

A Value for Money Review (VFM) of the Reserve Defence Force is ongoing and the recommendations arising from this review will inform future plans for the Reserve, including training.