asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the Reserve Defence Force indicating the strength of the force for each of the last three years for which figures are available and the projected strength in 1990; the duties carried out by the force; the reason for the reduction of 31 per cent in the funding to be provided for the force in 1990; and an estimate of the effect of a reduction of such magnitude on the capability of the force.
Written Answers. - Reserve Defence Force.
46.
The combined strength of the Reserve Defence Force was 16,339 on 30 September 1987; 16,616 on 30 September 1988 and 16,686 on 30 September 1989. It is expected that the current strength levels will be maintained in 1990.
The purpose of a first line reserve is to provide a pool of trained personnel who are available at short notice in aid of the civil power or in a time of emergency to increase the strength of understrength regular units.
The FCA have mainly a local defence role which enables their units to provide military security in their own areas and to relieve Permanent Defence Force units in those areas when circumstances so require. Similarly the role of the Slua Muirí is to assist the Naval Service.
The reduced provision for the Reserve Defence Force in my Department's Estimate for 1990 reflects the termination earlier this year of the arrangements under which members of the FCA were employed on full time security duties. The majority of personnel concerned opted to join the Permanent Defence Force.