Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
159. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has discussed the number of members of the Reserve Defence Forces; the actions that have been taken to increase them; if could outline the plan for 2024 to increase the number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8064/24]
View answerThe current strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of end of December 2023 is as follows:
|
Service |
Total Effective Personnel |
|
Army Reserve |
1,323 |
|
Naval Service Reserve |
84 |
|
First Line Reserve |
282 |
In terms of recruitment and retention measures for the RDF, a long-term regeneration plan is being prepared following the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF). This plan is being developed by the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established last year on foot of recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces.
A recruitment competition was launched on the 3 October 2023. As of 19 Jan 2024, 853 valid applications were submitted. There are currently over 800 live applications proceeding through the system with 34 medicals completed.
Concerning the medical assessments, work has been completed on streamlining the two-stage process, and fitness testing is now completed before the medical assessments.
The Military Authorities have informed me that the induction of personnel has been facilitated through the implementation of a 'Managed Induction Process' whereby each applicant is assigned a Recruitment Liaison Officer (RLO) who maintains contact with them throughout the induction process. The aim of this close liaison is to facilitate an expeditious and efficient recruitment process from application to attestation.
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.
