Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:167 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence when the review group on the Reserve Defence Forces will be making their report. [5511/99]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Reviews.
The Defence Forces review implementation plan, 1996-8, which was approved by Government in March 1996 provides for a special study of the Reserve to be undertaken during the lifetime of the plan. Accordingly, in November, 1997 I announced the setting up of a joint civilian/military steering group to carry out this examination. As part of the examination process the Chief of Staff had already established a military board to conduct a study of the Reserve. Although I have not specified any deadlines in the terms of reference of the steering group for the submission of an interim or final report, the steering group submitted an interim report on 30 July 1998. In December 1998 the military board forwarded an initial, incomplete draft of its final report to the steering group for consideration. The steering group has completed its consideration of the draft report and has conveyed its views and recommendations thereon to the military board which will, in due course, submit its final report to the group. On conclusion of its considerations and deliberations the steering group will submit a final report to me.
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:168 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider a reserve wing in the Air Corps. [5512/99]
The Defence Forces review implementation plan 1996-8, which was approved by Government in March 1996, provides for a special study of the Reserve to be undertaken during the lifetime of the plan. Accordingly, in November 1997 I announced the setting up of a joint civilian-military steering group to carry out this examination. As part of the examination process the Chief of Staff had already established a military board to conduct a study of the Reserve.
Accordingly, pending the outcome of the ongoing special study of the Reserve Defence Force no decision will be taken on the question of establishing any new unit of the Reserve in the Air Corps or in any other component of the Defence Forces.
Frances Fitzgerald
Ceist:169 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to give the Reserve Defence Forces senior NCO courses. [5513/99]
I have been advised by the military authorities that it is not proposed to hold senior NCO courses for members of the Reserve Defence Forces in 1999. However, the Defence Forces review implementation plan, 1996-8, which was approved by Government in March 1996, provides for a special study of the Reserve to be undertaken during the lifetime of the plan. Accordingly, in November 1997 I announced the setting up of a joint civilian/military steering group to carry out this examination. As part of the examination process the Chief of Staff had already established a military board to conduct a study of the Reserve. Training of the Reserve is being examined as part of this study.