Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
619 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the position in respect of the announcement of the relocation of a unit (details supplied) from Sligo to Athlone; if, in view of the circumstances, this decision will be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29794/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 26 July 2004, my predecessor Deputy Michael Smith officially launched the Reserve Defence Force review implementation plan which is the start of a process that will radically change the structure and configuration of the reserve, while preserving its traditional strengths. These include such things as the spirit of voluntary commitment, the maintaining of strong links with local communities and a nationwide geographical spread.
The Permanent Defence Force is now organised in a three-brigade structure and a Defence Forces training centre. The Reserve Defence Force will be similarly reorganised and restructured and it is envisaged that the implementation of this plan will take place over the course of the next six years.
The plan defines the organisational framework of the new Army Reserve and provides for a greater concentration of units within each Army brigade area. There will be mergers both at battalion and company level as well as between sister technical support units. This will be the key to providing enhanced training facilities and opportunities for each member of the reserve.
In producing detailed proposals for the restructuring of reserve units within each brigade area, the military authorities have taken due cognisance of the existing FCA presence within communities. Consultation and communication have been a priority throughout the development of the plan. They will continue to be important if the changes now proposed are to be carried through smoothly and effectively. Reserve units will be kept informed of developments on a regular basis.
Members of the FCA are already seeing the benefits of the reorganisation process in terms of better clothing and improved equipment and more and better quality training. As the process develops, we will see additional benefits in terms of a clearer role for the reserve, a better overall organisation structure, and opportunities for suitably qualified personnel to serve overseas. We will also see benefits from the closer integration and greater inter-operability of the reserve and the Army.
The proposed relocation of the 5 Field CIS company is consistent with the recommendations contained within the Reserve Defence Forces review implementation board report. The report proposed this relocation of 5 Field CIS company to Athlone, where they will be co-located with its Permanent Defence Force sister unit. This co-location will facilitate additional training with highly sophisticated signals equipment which is not available in Sligo.
The military authorities have advised that signals training will continue in Sligo, as the new organisation in Sligo contains the signals platoon of headquarters company. This ensures that signal skills will not be lost to the reserve in Sligo and that personnel will continue to train in the signals area. In addition, the new organisation of the reserve in Sligo provides for an infantry company which actually will increase the overall establishment of the reserve in Sligo from 77 to 155. It is not intended that any Reserve Defence Force location will close.
