Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 December 2012
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if sufficient resources remain available to ensure training and upgrading of the Army Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55031/12]
View answerThe central recommendation from the Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force was for the retention of the Reserve with 4,000 personnel spread countrywide to be based in barracks and in 16 other locations. This requires the consolidation of existing Reserve Units throughout the country into a smaller number of full-strength Units.
A new “Single Force” concept will see Permanent Defence Force (PDF) Units having Reserve components, rather than a parallel Reserve as at present. Reserve Units within barracks will be supported by their parent PDF Unit and the 16 Units outside of PDF installations will be supported by dedicated full time PDF personnel. This concept offers significant potential advantages in terms of training and development of the Reserve. The initiative of locating Reserve Officers within the Defence Forces management structure will likewise underpin the future Reserve.
These steps create a viable structure while addressing the inefficiency caused by having too many widely dispersed and under-strength Reserve Units.
The changes to the current Reserve organisation are in response to a compelling case for reform and will dovetail with the significant changes that are occurring in the PDF organisational structures.
I am satisfied that the changes when implemented will ensure a better Reserve and enhance overarching Defence capabilities.
