Defence Forces Reserve

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2015

Tuesday, 10 February 2015

Questions (318)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

318. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Reserve Defence Force will be covered under the non-statutory personal injuries compensation scheme for members of the Reserve Defence Force if they sustain an injury whilst training on their own time to achieve and maintain a level of fitness to pass the Permanent Defence Force fitness tests; if the members of the Reserve Defence Force will be granted the use of training facilities and access to Permanent Defence Force physical training instructors; if not, if the Defence forces will pay for gym subscriptions, as in the case of the Territorial Army in Britain, to help them achieve the fitness levels they are required to pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5868/15]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Personal Injuries Compensation Scheme for Members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is a non statutory scheme administered by my Department. The Scheme covers members of the RDF who are injured in the course of their duties. It covers injuries sustained on official duty, typically while participating in annual training, field days, exercises, parades and courses of instruction. It does not cover injuries sustained by members of the RDF while engaged in physical fitness training in their own time. Members of the RDF are responsible for achieving the prescribed physical fitness standards (as laid down) in their own time. However, Defence Forces leisure and sports facilities are made available to members of the Reserve during programmed recreational training while on periods of full time training. In addition, RDF Unit Commanders, with the permission of General Officers Commanding, may avail of Defence Forces facilities and personnel for the conduct of organised training programmes for RDF personnel.

There are no plans to pay for gym subscription for members of the RDF.