Niamh Smyth
Question:75. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his key priorities for the Defence Forces in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2765/24]
View answerDefence Forces
Questions (75)
Written answers
The Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the Defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.
As Minister, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
One of the key commitments was to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces and their report was published on the 9th February 2022.
The Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published in November 2023 is a further important step on this journey and builds on the publication of the Commission Report itself in February 2022, the High Level Action Plan in July 2022 and the Early Actions Update published in March 2023. This plan sets out an ambitious programme of work to move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA 2) by 2028 and the significant and fundamental change for the Defence Forces that will be delivered across the Commission’s recommendations.
One of the Early Actions identified in the High-Level Action Plan was the commencement of a Strategic Defence Review as part of the regular defence review process set out in the White Paper. The Strategic Defence Review has commenced with the preparation of a revised security environment assessment (SEA) which is currently being conducted by an interdepartmental working group and will address the significant security environment changes since the invasion of Ukraine. A fresh consideration of the implications of this assessment for overall policy requirements, associated tasks, capability development and resourcing will then be completed and is a key policy priority in 2024.
Along with the actions arising from the Commission on the Defence Forces the following items are some of the more immediate priorities for my Department:
Independent Review Group
The report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) established to examine dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces was published following Government approval on 28th March 2023. As part of the response to the IRG Report, the Government approved the establishment of an External Oversight Body for the Defence Forces to drive the necessary culture changes throughout the Defence Forces and enhance transparency and accountability. This is an essential part of the transformation of the current workplace to support current serving members and remains a priority for 2024.
The External Oversight Body is chaired by Prof. Brian MacCraith; its Terms of Reference were published on the 12th July 2023. To support the body in its work, a dedicated Secretariat has been established and in 2023 the Body met on 15 occasions. Legislation is also being developed to put this Body on a statutory footing as soon as possible.
On 16 January Government approval was given for the Terms of Reference for a judge-led Tribunal of Inquiry, as recommended by the Independent Review Group. Government also approved the appointment of Ms. Justice Ann Power to Chair the Tribunal. Government will now seek the approval of the Oireachtas to formally establish the Tribunal, and get work underway as early as possible this year.
Separately, in a further implementation of the IRG's recommendations, Mr. Kevin Duffy has been appointed as independent Chair of a new Working Group to develop a complaints process for civilian employees and civil servants who work with the Defence Forces. This is another important step in implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review Group.
Strategic Framework
Following the publication of the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) in March 2023, I set out my priority to develop one Strategic Framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces, so it would be fully understandable to everyone.
In September 2023, the Strategic Framework - Transformation of the Defence Forces was published. This document clearly sets out the vital work that is underway relating to the transformation of the Defence Forces and outlines the necessary actions to be delivered by the end of 2024. It covers the recommendations made in the Report of the Independent Review Group on Dignity and Equality issues in the Defence Forces (IRG) and the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF), together with measures to address recruitment and retention challenges, and the legislative changes needed to modernise our Defence Forces.
My priority within this transformation is cultural change above all else. The end goal of this cultural change is to ensure that the Defence Forces is an equal opportunities employer, reflective of contemporary Irish society and that is providing a safe workplace where
• self-worth is actively promoted,
• mutual respect becomes a dominant feature,
• all members are treated with dignity,
• in an organisation that continuously evolves to deliver positive change.
Legislation
As set out in the Strategic Framework, my Department is progressing two Bills to amend the Defence Acts. In December I welcomed the Government's approval for the drafting of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023. This is the first of two Bills which I intend to bring forward in the next year to drive forward the cultural transformation of the Defence Forces. I expect to bring the General Scheme of the first Bill to Government shortly. In summary, this Bill:
• will establish the External Oversight Body of the Defence Forces on a statutory basis in line with a recommendation of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces;
• address the longer-term associate membership of ICTU for the representative associations for the Permanent Defence Force;
• update other miscellaneous provisions of the Defence Acts to address issues that have been identified.
A second Bill will also be advanced in 2024. In summary, this Bill will amend the Defence Acts to give effect to certain recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, the Report of the Independent Review Group on the Defence Forces and to address other matters.
As I indicated in my statement to the Dáil on 22 November on the "Triple Lock" mechanism, I have also instructed my officials to prepare legislative proposals that would govern the future overseas deployments of the Defence Forces and this work has commenced.
International
Continuing the work done in 2023, one of the key priorities of my Department in 2024 is the successful reflection of Ireland’s position in relation to various EU defence and security initiatives, including on the implementation of the Strategic Compass, the operationalisation of the European Peace Facility and EU actions in support of Ukraine.
In January 2023, the Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in the German-led EU Battlegroup in 2024/2025. This will be the eighth occasion on which the Defence Forces have been part of an EU Battlegroup and the first since 2020. The Battlegroup will be stood-up during 2024 and will be on standby throughout 2025.
Recruitment and retention
Recruitment and retention of personnel is a key priority for me. In addition to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces, there are a number of initiatives currently underway to counter the on-going recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces and play a role in restoring and retaining capacity. On 15th November last year I announced that with effect from 01 January 2024 the Patrol Duty Allowance (PDA) paid to Naval Service personnel will be doubled after ten days at sea.
A review of mandatory retirement ages in all ranks in the Permanent Defence Force is ongoing. A sub-committee of the Defence Conciliation and Arbitration Council (comprising of the Representative Associations, military and civil management) has been established to discuss, where appropriate, matters relating to implementation of the Working Time Directive. Discussions with the Defence Forces Representative Associations will continue to be undertaken through this forum as the current work evolves.
Other priorities
Other priorities that will be progressed during 2024 include the Organisational Capability Review, regeneration of the RDF, infrastructure and equipment development, Civil Defence and strategic emergency management. Whilst this list does not cover all the work to be carried out in 2024 it captures some of my key priority areas.
Question No. 76 answered orally.
State Properties
Questions (77)
Gary Gannon
Question:77. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he is aware that the original gates of the former Marlborough Barracks, now known as McKee Barracks off Blackhorse Avenue, are being kept in storage, that temporary gates were installed in the mid-1980s, and if he and his Department are willing to evaluate the condition of the original gates and reinstall them. [2776/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that we have placed significant capital investment in refurbishing McKee Barracks, including the refurbishment and upgrade of Block H, McKee barracks which was shortlisted for an RIAI award. This projects highlight not only the Department’s commitment to providing high quality accommodation to service personnel, but also our recognition of the importance of maintaining Ireland’s built heritage for the benefit of future generations. In addition, Government investment to date in McKee Barracks has seen the completion of a Barracks HQ building, while this year will see the completion of the refurbishment of Block F, as well as works on medical facilities and the Printing Press building. This year will also see the start of construction on a new centralised locker facility. In total, these projects represent a capital investment of over €25 million with the barracks complex, all of which are designed to be sympathetic to this historically and architecturally important set of buildings.
My officials understand that while the original gates were removed in the 1980’s and replaced with replicas, aspects of the original gates have been retained in storage. In light of the significant restoration works underway in the installation as mentioned above, I have instructed my officials to liaise with their Defence Forces colleagues to determine whether any of the material is salvageable for restoration purposes and report back to me on same.
Question No. 78 answered orally.
Defence Forces
Questions (79)
Bernard Durkan
Question:79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which ongoing changes identified in recent reviews of the Defence Forces including pay, gender respect and bullying and/or other sensitive issues are being addressed; the progress to date in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2757/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to a range of actions to address key issues identified in recent reviews of the Defence Forces.
The Strategic Framework on the Transformation of the Defence Forces, which I published last September, brings together into one overarching document, the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
My priority within this transformation is cultural change above all else.
It consolidates into one document key actions under a number of Defence Sector reports and plans, which will underpin this transformation.
Core priorities identified for completion by the end of 2024 under the Strategic Framework are:
• Specific actions to support cultural change within the Defence Forces through a well-designed and expertly implemented culture change programme, led and driven convincingly from the leadership of the Defence Forces.
• That the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces are stabilised, and thereafter increasing the strength towards the level of ambition arising from the Report of the Commission on Defence Forces.
• The implementation of a policy for the application of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces.
• To progress specific projects to enhance the physical working environment and equipment of our personnel including specific capability enhancements across all Services.
• To set up a new independent, external complaints service for serving members of the Defence Forces and a new complaints process for civilians and civil servants.
• To introduce the legislative changes to support the transformation of the Defence Forces.
• To set up the Judge led Tribunal of Inquiry to examine the effectiveness of the complaints processes in the Defence Forces into workplace issues relating to discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct is established.
The Deputy will be aware that a range of measures have been undertaken to date to bolster the attractiveness of a career in the Defence Forces, including in the area of pay and conditions. Starting pay rates in the Defence Forces compare very favourably with starting pay rates across the public service with recruits, on completion of training, starting at €38,016 while a school leaver cadet on commissioning receives €41,962.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government and the Commission on the Defence Forces report, the provision of private secondary medical care to all Defence Forces ranks came into effect in September 2023. Previously, various benefits applied to Commissioned Officers only. It now applies to all personnel and is of immediate benefit to a further 84% of the Permanent Defence Force based on current strengths. In addition to the comprehensive range of primary care currently provided, this new measure facilitates referrals to private consultants, as well as the costs of any diagnostic tests.
In addition to the above, I recently announced new changes to the existing Naval Service allowances, as a means of simplifying current structures, by consolidating the daily allowance and the sea-going commitment scheme into one enhanced allowance. This is in line with the Commission on Defence Forces recommendation to replace existing sea-going allowances with less complex measures. The sea-going commitment scheme was abolished from the end of 2023.
Specifically, the current Patrol Duty Allowance, paid to Naval Service personnel, will be doubled after ten days at sea. This measure has taken effect from 1 January 2024. This measure will result in the daily rate increasing from €64.67 to €129.24 for an officer, and from €64.27 to €128.54 for an enlisted person, after ten days at sea.
These are significant enhancements to the overall benefits package for personnel and continues the significant progress being made by Government in improving the employment conditions of Defence Forces personnel which will also, I believe, act as a recruitment and retention measure, going forward.
Defence Forces
Questions (80)
Cathal Crowe
Question:80. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to protect the use of the term “Óglaigh na hÉireann”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2697/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has recently approved the drafting of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023.
It is intended that this Bill will provide for various amendments to be made to the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015, one of which will be to provide for the protection of the term “Óglaigh na hÉireann”.
This proposed amendment reflects the central aim of the Private Member’s Bill (“The Defence (Restriction on Use of Certain Titles) Bill 2021”) which was introduced into the Seanad by Senator Malcolm Byrne.
The purpose of the amendment will be to provide that it shall be an offence for a person without the authority of the Minister for Defence to use the term ‘Óglaigh na hÉireann’ or any words closely resembling this term, as the name, title or description, or styling of any organisation, group, association or body, or as part of the name, title, description or styling of any organisation, group, association or body. A person who commits an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a class D fine. Any such offence may be prosecuted by the Minister for Defence in accordance with section 7 of the Defence Act 1954.
The drafting of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2023 is being progressed in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
Defence Forces
Questions (81)
Gary Gannon
Question:81. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how many members of the Israeli Defence Forces have attended the Irish Military College since 2011; how many are currently attending the Military College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2777/24]
View answerWritten answers
At the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial held in Vancouver in 2017, Ireland pledged certain training capabilities for delivery in Ireland at the UN Training School in the Curragh (UNTSI). The military courses were in response to an identified UN need and offered as part of the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. Ireland has successfully delivered on our training pledges to the UN. These courses were open for application from all countries who are members of the UN which included Israel and are detailed below.
In addition, the Defence Forces also deliver a course as part of our commitment to the Partnership for Peace Programme which we have been part of since 1999. A course organised under this programme included a participant from the Israeli Defence Forces.
I have been advised by Military Management of the following details in relation to the Israeli Defence Forces personnel attendance at these courses conducted in the Irish Defence Forces since 2011.
Table 1: Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) personnel attendance at courses conducted in the Irish Defence Forces since 2011.
|
Year |
Course Title |
IDF Participants |
Remarks |
|
UNTSI (UN Training School Ireland) |
|||
|
2018 |
International Protection of Civilians Course |
1 |
|
|
2018 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
2 |
|
|
2019 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
1 |
|
|
Ordnance School |
|||
|
2017 |
NATO Commanders Marauding Counter Terrorism Attack Course |
1 |
Civilian Student |
|
Other Defence Forces Courses |
|||
|
2019 |
UN Buddy First Aid Course |
1 |
Conducted in Galway by CMU on behalf of UN |
Military Management have also advised that there are currently no plans for Israeli Defence Forces personnel to attend Irish Defence Forces training courses in 2024.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (82, 83)
Gary Gannon
Question:82. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence which overseas embassies are included in his Department’s plans to establish military attaches in overseas embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2778/24]
View answerGary Gannon
Question:83. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the projected cost of his Department’s plans to establish military attaches in overseas embassies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2779/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
The White Paper on Defence recognised the need for the Department of Defence to continue to engage in developing and deepening bilateral relations with potential like-minded partners to secure Ireland’s position in current and future international crisis management operations. The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces further supported this view. A joint civilian/military project team was formed to examine options in this respect and a project was formally initiated in May 2023.The project aims to explore the benefits to Ireland of establishing a Defence Attaché (DA) network, to look at the potential appropriate composition and duties of the role of a Defence Attaché, and to consider how such a network could build on existing bilateral relations. The project also aims to explore as a pilot, the deployment of a DA in one of the Irish embassies of strategic value and importance to Defence and Foreign Policy goals where strong engagement exists on defence matters. Consultations have taken place with a range of stakeholders, including with the Department of Foreign Affairs, reflecting their longstanding experience in respect of postings and the fact that any future Defence Attaché will become part of an Ambassador's team in an Embassy.The project is currently close to completion. Once finalised ,I will consider same in detail, and the location for an initial pilot posting is likely to be confirmed. Projected costs, timelines and any additional embassies for future consideration will be determined as appropriate in due course.
Questions Nos. 84 and 85 answered orally.
Defence Forces
Questions (86)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:86. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence what measures are being taken to ensure safety of our peacekeeping troops stationed in Lebanon and in particular their monitoring of the Blue Line demarcation between Lebanon and Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2744/24]
View answerWritten answers
As of 11 January 2024, there are 329 Defence Forces Personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The safety and security of Ireland’s Defence Forces’ personnel is of paramount concern to the Government. In each of the missions located in the Middle East (UNIFIL, UNDOF & UNTSO), Defence Forces’ personnel comply fully with all UN security precautions, including taking shelter in protected positions as appropriate. I am in ongoing contact with the Chief of Staff, and the Department of Defence and am kept appraised of all developments in those areas in which Defence Forces’ personnel are deployed, and I continue to monitor the situation closely.
Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated in the light of increased threat.
With regard to the UNIFIL mission specifically, I am advised that the situation in the Irish Area of Operations currently is classified as tense and unpredictable with a continuation of kinetic activity emanating from both north and south of the Blue Line (separating Israel from Lebanon) and with a noticeable increase in reported incidents. The Defence Forces' Infantry Battalion in south Lebanon implements Force Protection measures appropriate to the prevailing operational and security developments in the region. On several occasions since the commencement of hostilities, UNIFIL, and specifically IRISHPOLBATT, have been subject to GROUNDHOG (taking shelter in protected positions).
We will continue to monitor the situation closely along with our partners in the UN and the wider international community.
Defence Forces
Questions (87)
Mark Ward
Question:87. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he received the letter from the Women of Honour group in November; if he accepts their view on his comments of the unsafe nature of the workplace; what updates he will give in relation to this letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2793/24]
View answerWritten answers
I did not receive the letter to which the Deputy refers but I am aware of a statement issued by the Women of Honour at that time.
I have met the Women of Honour and their legal representatives on a number of occasions, the most recent being on 14th December last.
In relation to correspondence issued from my office of 2 November, 2023, to the legal representatives of the Women of Honour, the content reflects what was actually said at a meeting with the Group and clarifies the breadth of inquiry that could ensue if the Terms of Reference were to expressly include Health and Safety legislation.
I have advised that the Tribunal will have regard to any and all relevant legislative provisions, which includes the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and this will be at the discretion of the Judge appointed as Chair of the Tribunal.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the statutory body responsible for matters relating to occupational health and safety. A copy of the Report of the Independent Review Group (IRG) was circulated to the HSA following publication earlier this year. The HSA are currently undertaking an inspection of the Defence Forces arising from matters in the Report.
The Government on Tuesday last approved the Terms of Reference for the Tribunal and a Judge to Chair the Inquiry. A motion for resolution to establish the Tribunal of Inquiry will come before this House tomorrow.
Defence Forces
Questions (88)
Matt Carthy
Question:88. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of members of the Israeli Defence Forces, by year, that have trained in the Irish Military College since 2008; the training received; and if Israeli Defence Forces members will be permitted to avail of such training in the future considering that forces’ ongoing participation in the assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. [2729/24]
View answerWritten answers
At the United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial held in Vancouver in 2017, Ireland pledged certain training capabilities for delivery in Ireland at the UN Training School in the Curragh (UNTSI). The military courses were in response to an identified UN need and offered as part of the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. Ireland has successfully delivered on our training pledges to the UN and is strongly recognised for its expertise in delivering these courses, particularly the Protection of Civilians course. Countries who are members of the United Nations can apply to participate on these courses.
In addition, Ireland has been a member of Partnership for Peace since 1999 and part of our commitments under this Programme is to host PfP training courses which Ireland has done over the last decade.
I have been advised by Military Management of the following details in relation to Israeli Defence Forces personnel attendance at these courses conducted in Ireland since 2008.
Table 1: Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) personnel attendance at courses conducted in the Irish Defence Forces since 2001.
|
Year |
Course Title |
IDF Participants |
Remarks |
|
UNTSI (UN Training School Ireland) |
|||
|
2018 |
International Protection of Civilians Course |
1 |
|
|
2018 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
2 |
|
|
2019 |
International Civil Military Relations Course |
1 |
|
|
Ordnance School |
|||
|
2010 |
NATO Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) |
1 |
|
|
2017 |
NATO Commanders Marauding Counter Terrorism Attack Course |
1 |
Civilian Student |
|
Other Defence Forces Courses |
|||
|
2019 |
UN Buddy First Aid Course |
1 |
Conducted in Galway by CMU on behalf of UN |
Military Management have also advised that the costs for these courses are borne by the home nation of the foreign student and that there are currently no plans for Israeli Defence Forces personnel to attend Irish Defence Forces training courses in 2024.
Defence Forces
Questions (89)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:89. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of times members of the Defence Forces have been involved in drug seizures or intercepting vessels containing drugs in each of the past ten years. [2781/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware overall responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners, while responsibility for the prevention of crime rests primarily with An Garda Síochána.
The Joint Task Force on Drug Interdiction was established as a Government measure to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs and consists of members of An Garda Síochána, the Revenue Customs Service and the Naval Service. It has proven to be a very successful model for disrupting the smuggling of drugs on the high seas into Ireland and has resulted in a number of significant and high profile drugs seizures. The White Paper on Defence (2015) reaffirms the security role carried out by the Defence Forces in support of this important work.
The Naval Service enjoys a highly beneficial relationship with MAOC (N) since its establishment in 2007, participating in a number of successful joint task force operations with partner nations and agencies across Europe and the Atlantic, and ongoing consultation between MAOC (N) and Naval Service Command will continue in order to ensure provision of maritime military expertise in support of future MAOC (N) operations.
The Defence Forces have participated in a number of high profile drug interdiction operations resulting in significant seizures of drugs in recent years, and while some drug interdiction operations have been widely reported, the Deputy will appreciate that for operational and security reasons it is not appropriate for me to provide the information as requested.
Defence Forces
Questions (90)
Matt Carthy
Question:90. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the progress made implementing the Working Time Directive; if agreement has been reached between civilian and military management regarding the scope of duties which will fall within the Directive; and the timeframe in which a heads of Bill will be published. [2733/24]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to assure the Deputy that I remain fully committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Working Time Directive are applied, where appropriate, to members of the Defence Forces. Action 28, of the Strategic Framework, published on 26 September last, stipulated that the civil-military management policy position on the implementation of the Working Time Directive within the Defence Forces would be finalised by the end of December 2023.
I can confirm that management position was submitted to me. I am currently examining the paper in full and will be making a determination on that position in due course.
Significant deliberations have taken place between the PDF Representative Associations and civilian-military management to reach this point and I wish to express my appreciation to all parties for their constructive engagement in the extensive dialogue which has taken place.
The Deputy will be aware, however, the responsibility for developing the legislative framework to remove the blanket exemption for the Defence Forces in the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, lies with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Upon my determination on the matter, my officials will thereafter commence formal engagement with the Department.
Defence Forces
Questions (91)
Michael Moynihan
Question:91. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to revitalise the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2736/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) contained a number of recommendations on the Reserve Defence Force. Two recommendations from the report, denoted as ‘Early Actions’, related to the establishment of an Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) and the development of a Regeneration Plan for the Reserve.
The ORA has been established and is currently staffed by 7 members (6 PDF and 1 RDF).
Following the establishment of the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA), the Director of ORA advises that their immediate focus is on the development of a Regeneration Plan.
65 additional new members were inducted in 2023, 59 inducted into the Army Reserve and 6 inducted into the Naval Service Reserve. A recruitment drive for the RDF was launched last year in October 2023, which was advertised across a number of media channels. Recruit Liaison Officers across the RDF conducted local recruitment to attract applicants for this campaign.
Other strategies employed have involved the use of social media, the Defence Forces Press Office, outreach activities by RDF members, and the use of PDF exit interviews which provided information on applying to the RDF.
Work has also been completed on streamlining the two-stage medical process and fitness testing is now completed before medicals. To date, there are over 800 live applications resulting from the Oct 2023 campaign, with 34 medicals completed.
A more robust and streamlined recruitment process lends itself also to the CoDF recommendations relating to the structure and strength of the RDF, such as increasing the future RDF establishment strength to include, at a minimum, an Air Force Reserve of 200, and a Navy Reserve of 400.
The budget of €2,050,000 for the RDF was exceeded last year by nearly €190,000, due to an increase in training days completed by RDF members in 2023. This is a clear example of the positive growth and regeneration of the RDF in 2023 and, as a result, an increase in the budget has been provided for 2024.
I would like to assure the Deputy that it is my aim, and that of the Chief of Staff, to ensure that the regeneration of the RDF remains a key goal in 2024 and beyond.
State Properties
Questions (92)
Robert Troy
Question:92. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the transfer of Columb Barracks, Mullingar to the LDA; if he will consider withholding final transfer until such time as he is satisfied a masterplan is concluded with a timeframe for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2738/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the Government has decided that the site at Columb Barracks, Mullingar will transfer to the LDA. My Department has completed all the pre-contract paperwork to facilitate the transfer of the site as soon as the LDA is ready to accept the site.
Question No. 93 answered orally.