Defence Forces Reserve Training

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Questions (586, 587)

Michael McGrath

Question:

586. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence in what manner, by whom and when will Reservists be given detailed briefing on the following: the Training Plan for immediate months ahead; the criteria for being classed Effective; the options and opportunities and locations available to them to continue in service; the date, location and format of ceremonies to mark the disestablisment of the current organisation; and the formal recognition that will be afforded to honour the voluntary service of those who may find it impractical to continue. [3770/13]

Michael McGrath

Question:

587. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the training hours conducted by Reserve Defence Forces by brigade since 1 November 2012; if he will identify the brigades that have not conducted any training; the way the key criteria identified in VFM report of effective strength may be maintained in view of the fact that reservists have not been individually made aware of any resumption of training; and his views that this is appropriate in view of the voluntary military service to the State provided by those reservists. [3771/13]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together.

A major re-organisation of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is currently being implemented and the RDF is currently transitioning to a new "single force" organisational structure. This is necessary in order to ensure the continued viability of the RDF as outlined in the recommendations of the Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force, which was published in November 2012.

The High Level Implementation Group with responsibility for the re-organisation of the Permanent Defence Force is now implementing the re-organisation of the RDF. The military authorities have set out an implementation framework which sets out a two phased approach. Phase 1 is ongoing and will provide for the introduction of new organisational structures by the end of March 2013. Members of the Reserve will be invited to apply for positions within the new Units and every effort will be made to facilitate existing members of the Reserve within the new organisation. During this transition to the new structures, Reserve training is being restricted to unarmed training. I have requested details of training hours by Brigade from the military authorities and I will forward these to the Deputy when they are available.

In addition, Phase 1 also provides for the preparation of detailed administrative, training and operational plans. This includes planning for ceremonial events to mark the disestablishment of existing RDF Units and training plans for new Units. These will be in place when the new Units are established at the end of March 2013. Members of the Reserve will be fully briefed when relevant plans are finalised.

Phase 2 of the implementation process (the duration of which is from the 1st April to the 30th September 2013) will concentrate on capability development. Armed training for members of the Reserve will resume, co-ordinated PDF and RDF training will commence and annual training camps will be conducted over the period June to August 2013. RDF recruitment will also be initiated in line with vacancies within the new establishment.

In line with the recommendations of the Value for Money Review, the criteria that govern the classification of Reservists as effective or non-effective are currently being reviewed by the military authorities. This is necessary to ensure that only Reservists that are meeting required training targets are classed as effective. This will provide a more accurate indicator of Reserve capacity. Any proposed changes to these criteria will require Ministerial approval in the form of an amendment to Defence Force Regulation R5. There will continue to be full consultation with the Representative Associations on all matters that fall within the scope of representation and regular bilateral meetings will continue over the coming months.