Vol. 564 No. 2
58 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Defence if there are planned barracks closures or reductions in military units or personnel in the Sligo area; the reasons for the transfer of the 5th Field CIS to Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9105/03]
On 15 January 2003 I approved, in principle, the report of the Reserve Defence Forces Review Implementation Board for the implementation of the recommendations of the special steering group on the reserve, which had reported to me in September 1999. The Permanent Defence Forces are now organised in a three-brigade structure and a Defence Forces training centre. The Reserve Defence Forces will be similarly reorganised and restructured and it is envisaged that the implementation of these changes in the Reserve Defence Forces 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 will be determined in the course of the ongoing detailed implementation process. Plans are currently being prepared within each brigade for the amalgamation of FCA units in line with the proposals outlined in the steering group report.
The objective of this process is to ensure that better training and other facilities will be provided to members of the Reserve Defence Forces. No decisions have yet been taken on the location of proposed newly amalgamated units but the military authorities have advised me that all proposed amalgamations will provide an optimal environment for personnel in the relevant areas to take part in the new enhanced Reserve Defence Forces.
Members of the FCA are already seeing the benefits of the reorganisation process in terms of better clothing and improved equipment and more and better quality training. As the process develops we will see additional benefits in terms of a clearer role for the reserve, a better overall organisation structure, and opportunities for suitably qualified reserve personnel to serve overseas. We will also see benefits from the closer integration of the reserve with the Army.
I am very mindful of the need to preserve and retain the many traditional and well established strengths of the current reserve system, not least the admirable spirit of individual voluntary commitment, close links with local communities and a good depth and scope as regards nationwide geographical spread.
As regards the future of the reserve in the Sligo area, no final decisions have been made. While I can confirm that it is proposed to retain the 5 Field CIS Company as a reserve unit, no decision has yet been made as to its future location. I assure the Deputy that there will continue to be a reserve presence in Sligo, but it may have a different role in the new organisation than it has at present.
It seems that there is a possibility of relocating the signal unit to Athlone. What is the logic of that? This unit not only trains young recruits in the operation of signalling equipment but in the operation of information systems. Does the Minister not agree that if there is one unit which is suitable above any other to relocate away from a parent unit, it is one which depends on information technology? It makes more sense to transmit information by computer than to have to move heavy artillery. There is no logic to moving the signal unit. Much is heard about the roll out of broadband and of technology to the regions. If this transfer occurs, it will surely mean a roll back. It would only be possible to recruit 25 new members for the Reserve Defence Forces in the town. Sligo town is earmarked as a growth centre and a gateway. Does the Minister not agree that, were this to happen, it would amount to the removal of opportunities for training and participation in very positive activities in terms of the comradeship and affirmation that many young people need? Much is heard at present about the lack of facilities for young people and related alcohol problems. It would be a backward step if this unit was taken from Sligo. These opportunities are crucial for young people in Sligo town.
I agree with Deputy Harkin with regard to the geographical spread, the importance of the voluntary ethos and the service the force provides. It is important to note that the basis of this is a reorganisation of the reserve which the reserve itself wanted in the context of declining numbers and inadequate clothing, training and equipment. This is an attempt to prepare for the future in terms of having a much improved, enhanced reserve. It would have the capacity, for the first time, to engage in training at a level which would enable members of the Reserve Defence Forces to serve overseas, should they so wish if they meet the special criteria that will be outlined. These are ambitious targets which will be met over the coming years. No decisions have yet been taken about the location of any service and the process will take a number of years to settle down. I have received broad proposals from the defence forces but there are no specifics with regard to where units will go. I do not foresee reserve centres closing down in any part of the country.
However, because there is a need to enhance training, there is a need for more centralised training, which might be in Sligo, Donegal, Roscrea, Templemore or elsewhere. However, there must be geared-up training for the type of service which it is expected the reserve will provide. It is also important that we realise that we will not attract young people into the FCA, as we have done in the past, if facilities and equipment are out of date. We have to be much more modern and to provide much better facilities, which is why I tried, in the interim, to provide new equipment such as star rifles and clothing to indicate to the Reserve that the Government is committed to improving the service, including the training days.
