Michael Ring
Question:78 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Defence the proposals he has to appoint Westport as the new headquarters following the amalgamation of the Westport and Castlebar units of the FCA. [21564/01]
Written Answers. - FCA Headquarters.
I am advised by the military authorities that a military board has been set up at Defence Forces headquarters to formulate specific plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the steering group, which I set up to undertake a study of the reserve and which reported to me in September 1999. Under the aegis of the military board, structures have been put in place in each brigade and in the Naval Service to facilitate consultation with FCÁ and 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 advised that the process of formulating revised structures for the Reserve Defence Force is ongoing. The Permanent Defence Force is now organised in a three-brig ade structure and a Defence Forces training centre. The Reserve Defence Force will be similarly reorganised and restructured and it is envisaged that the implementation of these changes in the Reserve Defence Force will take place over a period of approximately six years.
Accordingly, pending completion of the Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on any aspect of the reorganisation and restructuring of the reserve, including any proposals relating to units in the Western Brigade, or to make any observations or recommendations on the possible amalgamation of any units.