Vol. 520 No. 3
70 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of representations made to him, he is considering the establishment of a unit of An Slua Muirí in the Drogheda/East Meath area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15680/00]
The overall strategy for the development of the Reserve Defence Force is based on the report of a special steering group established by me in January 1998. The group produced its report in September 1999, and the recommendations contained in the report have been accepted as a general basis on which the development of the Reserve Defence Force can proceed. As I have indicated previously I plan to publish the steering group report in due course.
I am satisfied that an in-depth study of the reserve has now been undertaken involving a considerable amount of work by both the military board and the steering group. The military board, as part of its task sought the views of the membership on the future organisation and structure of the reserve. From the outset there was ongoing liaison between the steering group and the military board and meetings of the steering group were attended in part by either the chairman or the secretary of the military board who kept the group well briefed on the board's progress. The steering group also advised the military board regarding aspects of the reserve that should be examined or that should be looked at in greater depth by the military board.
