David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Defence the amount expended in 2009 and the amount planned for 2010 for expenditure on the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2066/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Subhead D of the Defence Vote includes payments for Reserve Defence Force (RDF) training, gratuities, allowances and also includes grants paid into unit funds. The provisional expenditure figure for 2009 is €6,650,806 out of a provision of €8,900,000. The budget for 2010 as set out in the Abridged Estimates Volume, is €4,900,000. It is anticipated that in the context of the finalisation of the Revised Estimates volume this amount will be adjusted to reflect the pay reductions announced in the Budget.

This reduced level of funding will be reflected in the number of days available for paid training for Reservists in the coming year. Pending the finalisation of the Revised Estimates Volume, it is expected that the number of days available for 2010 will be approximately 50% of what was available for 2009.

Training in the Reserve is comprised of both voluntary and paid training. In light of the reduced paid training day provision, it is anticipated that there will be an increased emphasis on voluntary unpaid training. The allocation of paid training to individual reservists will take account of voluntary unpaid training undertaken. The aim is to ensure that all reservists who complete specified voluntary unpaid training will be afforded the opportunity to avail of a minimum of 7 days paid training.

The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan has provided the framework for the development of the Reserve over recent years. Revised organisation structures came into effect in October 2005 and the Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the PDF. In line with the plan, new equipment, clothing and opportunities for improved training have been delivered. As the Plan is reaching its conclusion, there is a requirement to critically examine the progress that has been made to date and to consider options for the future development of the Reserve. This will be informed by the valuable lessons learned from the implementation process. The RDF was selected for review as part of the 2009 – 2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative and this Review is scheduled to commence in the near future. This review will assist in informing decisions regarding the future development of the Reserve.