As part of the programme for achieving reductions in the level of public expenditure annual training for the first line reserve has been suspended each year since 1987. As all members of the first line reserve have had previous service in the Permanent Defence Force they are, by virtue of such service, fully trained soldiers and the need for annual training for them is not as great as it is for other elements of the reserve.
Notwithstanding the suspension of annual training, members of the first line reserve, who would in the normal course qualify for the annual training gratuities, continue to be paid these gratuities.
The situation is kept under review with the objective of restoring the normal training arrangements as soon as circumstances allow.