Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 2

Written Answers. - Reserve Defence Force.

David Stanton

Ceist:

52 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the role and function of the FCÁ and An Slua Muirí; the cost to the State of each of these in the past 12 months; if he has satisfied himself that they are adequately equipped to carry out their role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26854/98]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

Details of the approximate cost to the State in the past year of the Reserve Defence Force is in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.

An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil provides training for volunteer personnel to meet a local defence role which enables its units to provide military security in their own areas and relieve units of the Permanent Defence Force in those areas should circumstances so require. An Slua Muirí, which is the Naval component of the Reserve Defence Force, trains personnel to assist the Naval Service in seaward defence, port control and examination of vessels. In addition, members of the Reserve Defence Force are occasionally employed on security duties.

As part of the Defence Forces restructuring and reorganisation process, a special study of the Reserve Defence Force, which consists of the First Line Reserve, the FCA and the Slua Muirí, is taking place at present. In that regard, there is a consultative process in train which is intended to elicit the views of serving members on the future development of the organisation. The representative bodies are also involved in this process. The role of the Reserve Forces and their equipment are being examined as part of this special study. It is anticipated that the study of the Reserve Defence Force will be completed in early 1999.

The cost of the reserve in 1997, which is approximately £24.9 million includes a figure of £18.4 million approximately, expended on the pay, allowances, etc., of members of the Permanent Defence Force engaged in the training and administration of the reserve.

An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil and An Slua Muirí, which form the Second Line Reserve, are voluntary organisations and in the circumstances the commitment and dedication of their members cannot be commended too highly. The contribution of members of the Reserve Forces to the community is considerable and is recognised and valued throughout the country.

STATEMENT

Estimated Cost of Reserve Defence Forces — 1997.
Pay and Allowances of PDF cadre
Pay (inclusive of MSA, uniform allowance,	17,207
PRSI and notional pension contribution).
FCA per diem allowance	1,261	18,468
RDF Pay etc.
First Line Reserve: Gratuity	80
Second Line Reserve: Pay	2,262
Gratuities	600
Messing Allowances	568
Conveyance, Travel and Subsistence	453
Miscellaneous Allowances	62
Grants to Unit Funds	333	4,358
Ships and Naval Equipment (provision for An Slua Muirí)		56
Clothing
RDF Clothing (estimated at 13,950* £70)		975
Provisions
Rations (estimated at £3* 63,000 days)		189
Medical		20
Transportation etc.
FCA Car Allowance	181
FCA Mileage	414	595
Rental and maintenance of premises		90
Salaries of Reserve Pay Section in Finance Branch		153
Estimated cost of Reserve Defence Force in 1997:		24,904

These figures do not include the cost of ammunition, equipment, vehicles (capital) and some maintenance.