Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2013
544. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Reserve Defence Forces are made to buy their own boots and water as they do not have proper equipment; the reason these forces have extra hours in 2013-2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10425/13]
View answerThe Military Authorities have advised me that boots are issued to members of the Reserve and there is no requirement for members of the Reserve to purchase these at their own expense. Nor are Reservists obliged to purchase water for personal consumption when engaged in military duties.
The recently published Value for Money Review of the Reserve Defence Force recommended that the Regulatory criteria currently governing the classification of Reservists as effective or non-effective be reviewed. These criteria set out, amongst other requirements, the minimum hours of attendance at training activities. There is a requirement to ensure that these criteria reflect attendance requirements that are consistent with the capabilities required of the Reserve Defence Force. This may include revised hours of attendance and the Military Authorities are progressing proposals in this regard.
