Your conference is being held at a time when major change is planned for the structure and function of the Reserve. The Report of the Steering Group on the Reserve will come to be seen in time as a major historical milestone in the development of the Reserve Defence Force. The very many strengths and worthy attributes of the Reserve were, quite rightly, recognised and lauded by the Steering Group. However, there was a widespread consensus that the Reserve needed a radical programme of change to complement the ongoing programme of change taking place in the Permanent Defence Force over the last number of years.

 The Permanent Defence Force has seen enormous change in recent times. More recently, the Naval Service and the Air Corps have been subject to specialist reviews by consultants and work arising from those reviews continues to progress. Last year saw the landmark publication of the Defence White Paper. This process of change and much needed modernisation within the Defence Forces must of necessity include the Reserve.

 The Steering Group Report envisages a modern, well equipped and trained Army Reserve with a total strength of about 12,000. The main body of the Army Reserve some 9,300 would be assigned to the three Reserve Brigades, themselves a mirror reflection of the comparable PDF structure. It is also envisaged that a number of Reserve personnel will, on occasions, serve on an integrated basis with the Permanent Defence Force. The Slua Muiri will also be developed in order to provide a capability for a more focused Naval Service Reserve of about 400 personnel. These changes indicate a commitment to the development of a totally new type of modern Reserve Defence Force over the course of the next six years. This reorganisation will be carried out in a planned and structured manner and with full consultation with your Association.

 The Steering Group was quite clear that there is a need for the introduction of a new training regime in order to enable the modernised Reserve to achieve greater operational capacity. An essential objective of the proposed training profile will be to ensure that most personnel will undertake a total of 14 days paid training in each 12 month period. The Minister has again increased the Reserve budget by a further £1.5 million this year. This will allow for a considerable increase in the number of mandays allocated for training purposes. It is expected that up to 94,000 mandays will be available. A small number of these mandays is being allocated to RDFRA to assist the Association to meet the demands of the future. The overall total budget for the Reserve is now approximately £20 million, when all costs properly associated with the Reserve are brought together.

 There was also broad agreement that the general levels of equipment available should be improved over time. This matter is regarded as a key issue for operational capability and training and should have a positive effect on Reserve morale and self-image. The Chief of Staff has already mentioned this in his address and I do not intend to repeat his own comments, apart from indicating agreement with the view he expressed.

 At this point I should mention the question of possible access to overseas peace support missions for members of the Reserve. An important change recommended by the Steering Group was that certain (specialist) Reserve personnel could be considered for participation in overseas peace support missions, subject to appropriate qualifications, availability and advance training. Service by reservists on overseas peace support missions is common in other countries. Such an initiative would serve as an important element to ensure the retention of a highly motivated and trained Reserve, in the best interest of the State and the Defence Forces as a whole. The question of access to overseas service for members of the Reserve, however, will require appropriate consultation with all the representative associations.

 The Chief of Staff convened the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Board to formulate specific plans for the implementation of the Steering Group recommendations. A number of meetings of this Board have already been held and the implementation process will comprehend the drafting and development of a Reserve Defence Review Implementation Plan. While by nature we are often apprehensive about change, I can assure you that the changes that will be required will result in a more focused voluntary Reserve of which we can all be proud.

 The Minister is convinced that consultation and communication are important if the changes and challenges proposed are to be carried through smoothly and effectively. The original Steering Group met on a number of occasions with the Association and the Association also made written representations to the Group. The well attended briefings which were arranged at the end of last year to mark the formal launch of the Report represented an important element of consultation in regard to the future of the Reserve. As announced by the Minister at those briefings, a member of the Reserve has been appointed to the Implementation Board. Of course, formal consultation will continue to take place with your Association. Measures will also be taken to ensure that local Reserve units are made aware and kept informed of progress as regards implementation plans and developments.

 The Minister is happy with the progress made on the resolution of a number of issues which were of concern to you. Earlier this year he signed amendments to Defence Force Regulations S7. Further amendments will be necessary following the outcome of the Implementation Plan. A uniform allowance has been introduced for Sgt Major and BQMS ranks. Last year the Minister rectified the anomaly where members of the Reserve were being deducted for rations and accommodation. Such deductions no longer occur and appropriate refunds have been made. The meetings between your Association and officials of the Department which I understand are known as "clinics" have been very successful and these meetings will continue. These meetings provide the appropriate forum for discussing your concerns. I am sure that you will agree that the last 12 months have been highly significant for the development of the Reserve and mark a most successful period for your Association.

 In conclusion I would like to state that the Government and the Minister for Defence greatly appreciate the loyalty, commitment and dedication demonstrated time and time again by members of the Reserve Defence Force. In recognition of these qualities and attributes and of the important contribution made by the Reserve the Minister is committed to ensuring that the Reserve of the future will be an attractive, dynamic and relevant Force.

 On behalf of the Minister, who was personally very disappointed that his other commitments precluded his attendance here today, I wish you a very successful and enjoyable conference.