Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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546. To ask the Minister for Defence the reason full time summer training for the Reserve Defence Forces is planned to take place in Tralee, County Kerry, instead of Bere Island this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25841/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised me that training for members of the Reserve Defence Force, RDF, in 1 Brigade has been scheduled for the following locations in 2013:

a. Coolmoney Camp, Glen of Imaal

b. DFTC, Stephens Barracks

c. Dun Ui Mhaoiliosa

d. Kilworth Camp

e. Collins Barracks

f. Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee

g. Bere Island.

The Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force, which was published in November 2012, highlighted the importance of training for members of the Reserve. It set out a range of reforms that were required in order to ensure that the Reserve retained the capacity required to discharge its assigned role. New organisational structures for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve were introduced at the end of March 2013 and the military authorities have developed new training plans for 2013. These measures and the implementation of the other recommendations contained in the VFM Review will ensure the future viability of the Reserve Defence Force.