Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Reserve.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

282 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to introduce new FCA units for the Tallaght and Clondalkin areas of Dublin; if he has given consideration to basing either one or both of these units in Baldonnel Aerodrome where there are existing military installations; and if one of these FCA units will be made a dedicated operation for the Air Corps. [19956/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

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 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 report of the special steering group indicated that the existing first line reserve system satisfactorily addresses any Air Corps Reserve aviation requirement. Former Air Corps personnel who volunteer for service on the first line reserve, or who have a first line reserve commitment, can be attached to an appropriate unit of the Air Corps. The steering group did not recommend that any special reserve unit or formation be established specifically for the Air Corps. However, the report did highlight the importance of encouraging participation in the Reserve Defence Force in major urban areas. Its recommendations included the provision of Army reserve units in Baldonnel to cater for young people living in south and west Dublin, which includes the catchment areas of Tallaght and Clondalkin. I have asked that these recommendations be addressed as part of the review process.

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 will be determined in the course of the ongoing detailed implementation process. The objective of this process is to ensure that better training and other facilities will be provided to members of the Reserve Defence Force. 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 par take in the new enhanced Reserve Defence Force.

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 FCA, a better overall organisation structure, and opportunities for suitably qualified Reserve Defence Force personnel to serve overseas. We will also see benefits from the closer integration of the FCA with the Army.

I must emphasise I am very mindful of the need to preserve and to retain the very many traditional and well established strengths of the current system, not least the admirable spirit of individual voluntary commitment, close social links with local communities and a good depth and scope as regards nation-wide geographical spread. I have been advised by the military authorities that no Defence Force Reserve location will be closed and no member will be asked or required to terminate their service. However, no final decision on the amalgamation of any FCA units will be taken until I have had the opportunity to examine and approve the final amalgamation proposals.