Jimmy Deenihan
Question:358 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Reserve Defence Force will serve overseas in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9880/09]
View answerTuesday, 10 March 2009
Questions (331)
Written answers
The White Paper on Defence sets out the blueprint for a new Reserve Defence Force. This blueprint outlines a new Reserve with a clearly defined role, an enhanced relationship with the PDF, better equipment and training and opportunities for reservists to serve on overseas peace support missions.
An Implementation Plan has been developed that will ensure the realisation of the White Paper vision. The Plan is being rolled out over the period to the end of 2009. The Agreed Programme for Government contains the commitment to fully execute the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Implementation Plan by the end of 2009.
There has been significant progress to date in implementing the detailed recommendations of the Plan e.g. new organisation structure implemented, major improvements in clothing, equipment, training and resourcing. In addition, the Reserve is now organised along similar lines to the PDF. All of these changes are enhancing the capabilities of the Reserve as well as improving interoperability with the PDF.
These factors are significant enablers in facilitating future participation by suitably qualified RDF personnel in overseas missions and it is hoped that a small number of Reservists will be able to undertake overseas service in late 2009.
As specified in the Plan, any such participation by members of the Reserve on overseas service is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate advance training. Any commitment to overseas service by members of the Reserve will be on a voluntary basis.
The military authorities have sought expressions of interest from suitably qualified Reservists who have undertaken integrated training and are at an advanced stage in identifying Reservists who may be eligible and willing to apply for a small number of specified overseas positions. A final decision regarding their deployment is dependent on the selected personnel completing an extensive training schedule to up-skill to the requisite military standards to enable them to serve overseas.
Work on the necessary regulatory changes has progressed, terms and conditions of service are being examined and the Representative Associations will be consulted in the near future.
I am pleased that such work is proceeding on schedule in line with plan provisions.