The real level of membership of the Reserve Defence Force has declined significantly in recent years, according to the Minister for Defence.
At the 10th annual conference of the RDF Representative Association in Portlaoise yesterday, Mr Smith said many units had manning levels and levels of activity far below what was required to make them viable or attractive to join.
"We also have to face the fact that in an increasingly affluent Ireland, fewer people have the time or inclination to participate in voluntary activity. These trends will continue so we need to shape a new organisation which reflects these realities and which can be viable for the future."
Mr Smith said the Permanent Defence Force was 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 RDF will take place over a period of six years."
He said that 2003 had seen an increase of 16 per cent effective from the January 1st, 2003, in the level of gratuity payable to personnel who attend annual training.
"Members of the FCA are already seeing benefits in terms of improved equipment, more and better quality training and better clothing. I am particularly delighted at the positive feedback concerning the new uniform."
As indicated in the White Paper on Defence, an important change recommended by the study of the Reserve was that its members should be considered for overseas peace support missions subject to suitable qualifications, personnel availability and appropriate advance training. "Service by reservists on overseas peace support missions is quite common in other countries."
He also said the Government appreciated those members of the Reserve who had volunteered to assist with the World Special Olympics next month.