Written Answers. - Defence Forces Reserve.
David Stanton
Question:
51
Mr. Stanton
asked the
Minister for Defence
the progress that has been made in relation to the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Forces; the likely timetable for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4043/01]
Eamon Gilmore
Question:
68
Mr. Gilmore
asked the
Minister for Defence
the discussions he has had with the representative organisations regarding the possibility of members of the reserve being allowed to serve overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4010/01]
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
69
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Defence
the position in relation to future plans for the Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil.
[3738/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 68 and 69 together.
The overall strategy for the future development of the Reserve Defence Force will be based on the report of the special steering group, which I established in January 1998. That group reported in September 1999. A thorough, comprehensive and in-depth study of the Reserve was undertaken, involving a very considerable amount of work both by a military board, established by the then Chief of Staff, and latterly by the steering group itself.
The steering group met with each of the Permanent Defence Force representative associations and also met on three occasions with the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association.
I formally launched the steering group report on 25 November 2000 at a special briefing for the southern region in Thurles, organised by the military authorities for serving members of the Reserve. A similar briefing for the western region took place in Athlone on 2 December 2000. A third briefing was held in Dublin on 14 December 2000. I am pleased that the various recommendations contained in the steering group report have been broadly accepted as providing a general foundation on which the development of the Reserve Defence Force can proceed in the future.
I am advised by the military authorities that a board has been set up at Defence Forces headquarters to formulate specific plans for the implementation of the steering group recommendations. I am further advised that, under the aegis of this board, structures have been put in place in each brigade and in the Naval Service to facilitate consultation with FCA and An Slua Muirí personnel throughout the country. Given the dependence of the Reserve on voluntary service, I was anxious that there should be an ongoing process of consultation before proposals are finalised. The military authorities have now started upon that process by way of the series of three preliminary regional briefings late last year, and by the launch of the steering group report.
The White Paper on Defence recognised that a notable and important feature of the existing FCA organisation is its countrywide, geographical spread. This particular aspect will, in general terms, be retained in the future. The full organisational and establishment details of the new reserve force, as envisaged by the steering group, will be determined in the course of a detailed implementation process. That process will comprehend the drafting and development of a Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan, which will be based on the steering group's report. The implementation of the structural and organisational changes will require about six years to bring to completion. The military authorities will consider and recommend detailed proposals for the restructuring of Reserve units within each brigade area and in the Naval Service.
As indicated in the White Paper, one important change recommended by the study of the Reserve is that, in future, members of the Reserve should be considered for participation in overseas peace support missions, subject to appropriate qualifications, availability and advance training. Service by comparable reservists on overseas peace support missions is quite common in other countries. However, the general criteria governing selection for overseas service are issues within the scope of representation. Therefore, any matters relating to proposals for future overseas service by members of the Reserve, which come within the scope of representation, will be raised with the representative associations at the appropriate forum. In addition, the question of the security of civilian employment, for those members of the Reserve who may wish to serve overseas, will have to be considered.
In order that senior Reserve Defence Force officers can serve and influence reserve activities at the highest level, the steering group recommended the creation of four new lieutenant-colonel appointments within the Reserve, these appointments being part of the integrated element of the Reserve.
In general terms, the blueprint for the new Reserve Defence Force will involve replacing An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil with an Army Reserve consisting of two elements. One element will provide personnel who will integrate with Permanent Defence Force units. Personnel who opt for a period of integrated service will be provided with enhanced military training. The larger element will provide the overall Army Reserve, organised into three reserve brigades.
An Slua Muirí will be developed to provide a genuine Naval Reserve capability based on a revised overall strength of up to 400 personnel. As a rationalisation measure, the two Dublin based companies of An Slua Muirí will be amalgamated. The Naval Service, in conjunction with the director of Reserve Forces, will formulate specific proposals to develop an integrated role for the reorganised An Slua Muirí.
Finally, I must emphasise that the steering group was particularly mindful of the need to preserve and to retain the very many traditional and well established strengths of the current Reserve system, not least the admirable spirit of individual voluntary commitment, close social links with local communities and a good depth and scope as regards nationwide geographical spread.
