164 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to approve the military implementation plan for the reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force; and the time-frame for completion of this plan. [20597/04]

On 15 January 2003 I approved, in principle, the report of the Reserve Defence Force review implementation board for the implementation of the recommendations of the special steering group on the reserve, which had reported to me in September 1999.

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 these changes in the Reserve Defence Force will take place over a period of approximately six years. The White Paper on Defence recognised that a notable and important feature of the existing FCA organisation is its countrywide, geographical spread. This particular aspect will, in general terms, be retained in the future. The full organisational and establishment details of the new reserve will be determined in the course of the ongoing detailed implementation process which is being carried forward by the military authorities.

165 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Defence if the FCA may legally be deployed with the Permanent Defence Force on aid to the civil power operations in the situation where he has not exercised his power under the Defence Act to call out reservists. [20598/04]

Defence Forces regulations do not provide for the performance of duties in aid of the civil power by members of the Reserve Defence Force who are rendering service on a voluntary basis.