Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
588. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if the Reserve Defence Forces will be allowed participate in St Patrick's Day parades as they have done historically; and the plans the military authorities have in place to facilitate the preparatory training required. [3772/13]
View answerAll requests for Reserve Defence Force (RDF) participation in St. Patrick’s Day parades are considered by my Department. As in previous years, the RDF will participate in a number of parades throughout the country. There is no requirement for specialised training to be carried out in advance of the parades, the basic foot and arm drill which is part of the induction training for members of the RDF is sufficient. As is the practice, rehearsals will take place in advance of participation in the parades. A major re-organisation of the RDF is currently being implemented and the RDF is currently transitioning to a new “single force” organisational structure. RDF training is continuing, however, this transitional phase will provide for limited unarmed training only, except where RDF Military Ceremonial requires weapons for training and ceremonial events.
