Denis Naughten
Question:70 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence his future plans for the 19 BNRDF and the barracks at Boyle, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3145/03]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Review.
On 15 January 2003 I approved, in principle, the report of the Reserve Defence Forces Review Implementation Board. This implementation board was established to formulate a plan for the implementation of the recommendations of the special steering group on the Reserve. The steering group, which I established to undertake a study of the Reserve, reported to me in September 1999. I am arranging to have a copy of their report sent to the Deputy.
The Reserve Defence Review Implementation Board sets out a six year implementation process for the reorganisation of the Reserve based on the steering group report proposals and that process is now under way.
The Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, has directed that each general officer commanding a brigade now establish a brigade implementation group to put in place the recommendations contained within the RDF Review Implementation Board report. This process will involve the establishment of convergence and reassignment boards to prepare plans for the amalgamation of units in line with the proposals outlined in the steering group report. The steering group report did propose an amalgamation of the 19th Infantry Battalion and 24th Infantry Battalion. However, in advance of the convergence and reassignment boards' reports being approved, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on this particular amalgamation.