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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Policy re Training.

Mervyn Taylor

Question:

333 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Defence if he will indicate the policy of his Department with regard to the reserve of officers first line given the fact that the reserve of officers first line have not been called for training since 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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.

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