Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 13 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 8

Written Answers. - First Line Reserve.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

123 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the first line reserve; the number assigned thereto by rank in 1995 and 1996; the number who came off this reserve by rank in 1995 and 1996; the current average age of members of this reserve; the last year in which it was called out in service; the Exchequer cost of this reserve in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter with particular reference to those enlisted under a five year term of engagement. [4082/97]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

The current strength of the first line reserve is 518 all ranks.

The first line reserve was last called out on permanent service in 1969. There has been no annual training for the first line reserve since 1987.

The cost of the first line reserve in each year since 1990 was as follows: 1990, £67,648; 1991, £68,828; 1992, £79,083; 1993, £81,828; 1994, £79,253; 1995, £78,665; 1996, £79,275.

Personnel who enlisted for general service in the Permanent Defence Force on a five year term of engagement have a seven year commitment to the reserve Defence Force.

As the detailed information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number transferred to the reserve and the number who ceased membership in 1995 and 1996 as well as the average age of the members is not readily available in my Department it was not possible to compile it in the time available. Accordingly, the information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.