Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2012
9Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of the Reserve Defence Forces; the estimated numbers it will recruit over 2012 and 2013 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6714/12]
View answerA value for money review of the Defence Forces Reserve is ongoing and the recommendations arising from it will inform future plans for the reserve. In addition, I have initiated a major reorganisation of the Defence Forces in response to the outcome of the comprehensive review of expenditure. This will encompass a reduction in the number of Army brigades from three to two which will necessarily impact and include the Defence Forces Reserve. The steering committee undertaking the VFM review will consider the way ahead in the light of the wider reorganisation to take place.
Clearly any recommendations regarding the future organisation of the reserve must dovetail with those for the overall defence organisation. The outcome of the comprehensive review of expenditure has set the defence resource boundaries for the coming years and recommendations arising from the value for money review must have regard to the reduced resource envelope available for defence.
Recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force is linked to the level of funding available for paid training. There have been significant reductions in defence funding over recent years and paid man days have reduced from approximately 60,000 in 2009 to 30,000 man days in 2010 and 2011. Although defence resourcing has further reduced for 2012, the allocation for paid training for the Reserve Defence Force in 2012 will be maintained at 2011 and 2010 levels. In addition to training for existing members of the reserve, this will provide for training of approximately 400 new recruits to the Reserve Defence Force during 2012.
No decisions have been taken with regard to future recruitment in 2013 and this will be informed by recommendations arising from the value for money review, the reorganisation and the prioritisation of resources.
I am happy the Minister has confirmed 400 new recruits and I ask if these will be recruited through public advertisement or from within the system. As regards the overall future of the RDF and its role in the Defence Forces, will the value for money review dovetail with the White Paper or is it a separate exercise? What is the timeline for the completion of the value for money review during 2012?
The issue of the Reserve Defence Force will have to be addressed within the overall reorganisation and these reorganisation matters will not be delayed by the production of the White Paper. As the Green Paper will be produced towards the end of the year, part of 2013 will be taken up with the public process and the White Paper will come thereafter. I hope there will be a clearer view at an earlier stage with regard to the Reserve Defence Force unless some issue arises that is perceived to be best left to the Green Paper - White Paper process.
What about recruitment?
That matter is being addressed at the moment.
