A 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.