Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 632: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will publish his reform plans for the Reserve Defence Forces. [36105/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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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. In December last I initiated a major re-organisation of the Defence Forces, encompassing a reduction in the number of Army Brigades from three to two. As I have previously outlined, this re-organisation will necessarily impact on the Reserve, as the Army Reserve organisation mirrors that of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) i.e., a three Brigade structure. I have recently announced details of the re-organisation of the PDF. As part of this re-organisation, the number of PDF personnel available to work full time with the Reserve is being reduced. This is required as part of the prioritisation of PDF operational outputs.

The recommendations regarding future plans for the Reserve, including organisational structures will be brought forward as part of the VFM process. These recommendations must ensure that RDF organisational structures dovetail with revised PDF structures and have regard to the reduced availability of full time PDF support personnel. This will include alternative approaches to administration and support of the Reserve such as having co-located RDF Unit requirements met by PDF Units.

The Steering Committee met most recently on the 12th July last, and drafting of the Review is continuing. I have asked the Steering Committee to progress the Review as quickly as possible and I anticipate its completion by the end of September.