Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 630: To ask the Minister for Defence the number of members there are in the Reserve Defence Forces in the Western Brigade and a breakdown of the number of members in each branch of the Western Brigade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35048/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The number of members serving in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), 4 Western Brigade, on 31 May 2012, the latest date for which figures are available, is set out in the following table.

A Value for Money Review (VFM) of the Reserve Defence Force is ongoing and I anticipate its completion by the end of September. In addition, I have initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces in response to the outcome of the Comprehensive Review of Expenditure. This will encompass a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from three to two and will necessarily impact the Reserve Defence Force.

The Steering Committee undertaking the VFM review are considering the way ahead in light of the wider re-organisation. Clearly any recommendations regarding the future organisation of the Reserve must dovetail with those for the overall Defence organisation. The recommendations arising from this review will inform future plans for the Reserve.