Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010
822 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the number signed up with the Reserve Defence Force; the number at the end of 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48284/09]
View answerI am advised by the Military authorities that the number signed up with the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) as at 30 November 2009, the latest date for which figures are currently available, was 6,732. The number signed up with the RDF (effective plus non-effective) at the end of 2005 was 10,833, i.e. 10,425 in the Army Reserve and 408 in the Naval Service Reserve.
The table shows the strengths of the FCA and an Slua Muirí for each of the years 1980, 1985, 1990 and 1995.
|
FCA |
Slua Muirí |
Total |
|
|
1980 |
20,850 |
425 |
21,275 |
|
1985 |
15,457 |
422 |
15,879 |
|
1990 |
15,320 |
348 |
15,668 |
|
1995 |
15,285 |
354 |
15,639 |
The figures for 2000 could not be collated in the time available but I have requested my officials to follow up with Records & Data Management to ascertain these and revert to you in writing in due course.
The total strength of the Reserve includes personnel who are categorised as non-effective. As provided for in Defence Forces Regulation R5, personnel are removed from the effective strength of their Units and are placed on the non-effective list primarily for failure to meet minimum training requirements. These personnel remain liable for call out on permanent service or service in ATCP. Since 2004, with the role of the RDF Review Implementation Plan, the military authorities have increased their efforts to ensure that only those members who meet the requirements remain on the effective list. In the context of the Government decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers, all recruitment to the RDF was suspended last March. Following a subsequent review and examination of RDF personnel numbers and budgets for 2009, I was satisfied that there is sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Reserve.
Accordingly, on 19 May last I announced that limited recruitment to fill vacancies arising due to existing Reserve members resigning, or being discharged in the normal manner could proceed. This is subject to the overall strength figure that existed at 1st January 2009 (i.e. 7,671) not being exceeded. This limited recruitment continues to be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the RDF and future budgetary provisions. In addition, last November I approved the advancement of Privates from 2* to 3* for those members who have achieved the necessary qualifications along with promotions from Private to Corporal for those currently qualified and the promotion of one Commandant to Lt Colonel. These promotions will be made on a phased basis to March 2010.
