Vol. 505 No. 2
96 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number involved in the first line reserve; the role, structure and activities carried out by it in the past 12 months; his views on its future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13415/99]
The military authorities advise that the strength of the first line reserve on 31 March 1999, the latest date for which returns are available, was 208 officers, 48 NCO's and 219 privates.
The first line reserve is intended to provide a pool of trained personnel who are available at short notice to augment Permanent Defence Force units in time of emergency or if there is a shortage of skills in specialist areas. The first line reserve consists of personnel who, on completion of their Permanent Defence Force service, are transferred to the first line reserve.
A number of suitably qualified naval officers of the first line reserve were called up for training service as watchkeeping officers on board Naval Service vessels for approximately 20 weeks in 1998.
A study has recently been completed by a military board established in October 1997 to review the reserve defence forces including the first line reserve. The board will submit its report to the steering group on the reserve in the near future.
