Billy Timmins
Question:36 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30590/01]
Other Questions. - Reserve Defence Force.
I am advised by the military authorities that a military board, the Reserve Defence Forces Review Implementation Board, on which the FCA is represented, has been set up at Defence Forces headquarters to formulate specific plans for the implementation of the recommendations of the reserve steering group. I established the special steering group in 1998 to undertake a study of the reserve and the group 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 FCA 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-brigade 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.
The White Paper on Defence recognised that a notable and important feature of the existing FCA organisation is its countrywide, geographical spread. This aspect will, in general terms, be retained in the future. The full organisational and establishment details of the new reserve force will be determined in the course of the ongoing detailed implementation process.
In general terms, the blueprint for the new Reserve Defence Force will involve replacing An Fórsa Cosanta Áitúil with an army reserve consisting of two elements. One element will provide personnel who will integrate with Permanent Defence Force units to bring them up to full operational strength in a contingency situation. 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.
As indicated in the White Paper on Defence, an important change recommended by the study of the reserve is that members of the FCA should be considered for participation in overseas peace support missions subject to suitable qualifications, personal availability and appropriate advance training. Service by reservists on overseas peace support missions in other countries is common.
Additional information.General criteria governing selection for overseas service comes within the scope of representation and any matters relating to 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. The question of the security of civilian employment for the members of the reserve who may wish to serve overseas will be considered as part of the implementation process.
In order that senior Reserve Defence Force officers can serve and influence reserve activities at the highest level in brigade headquarters and the Defence Forces training centre, the steering group recommended the creation of four new lieutenant-colonel appointments. It is intended that these appointments will form part of the integrated element of the reserve and personnel appointed to these appointments would hold them for the duration of their integrated service. While the mechanism for appointing personnel to these appointments has not yet been established, it will form part of the implementation process.
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.
The consultative process, although absolutely necessary, is taking a long time. When does the Minister expect to see action on the ground regarding the integration and other elements that he mentioned? When will we see structures in place and can the Minister put a timeframe on it?
As I said in my reply, the process will take about six years. I will be waiting anxiously to receive the implementation plan long before then. In the interim, I want to see the Styre rifles, the camouflage uniforms and an improvement in the accommodation. As there are too many units, amalgamation must take place. There are also many places where accommodation is grossly inadequate. As soon as I receive the implementation plan, I would like to have some of the interim work on accommodation and equipment started. I intend to move quickly on the 14 day training schedules, recruitment programmes for training camps and arrangements for night-time and weekend training for those unable to take part in 14 day training. I will move on the implementation plan as soon as possible on all the issues that can be decided on quickly. Although the full process will take longer, the FCA will begin to see the necessary work get a solid start which will benefit what is a difficult recruitment drive.
When does the Minister expect to receive the implementation plan? There is a view that at some stage members of the FCA should be able to serve overseas. Would that require changes in legislation? What progress has been made in that regard?
I cannot say exactly when I will receive the plan, but I have asked the Chief of Staff to try to have it ready for me as soon as possible. I want it done right with as much consultation as possible. I am looking forward to creating opportunities for the overseas aspect of the new changes. If an opportunity arises within the next 12 months I hope suitably qualified persons who can afford the time and get the training will be given that opportunity. I am not aware of any legislative change that would be required, but we will examine the situation in order that we do not fall down on that aspect. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter.