Defence Forces Training

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2017

Thursday, 19 January 2017

Questions (322)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

322. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason members of the Naval Service Reserve are prohibited from training new recruits for the Naval Service Reserve, unlike their Army Reserve counterparts who are permitted to train their own new recruits; the reason Permanent Defence Force members of the Naval Service are exclusively required to train the Naval Service Reserve despite the availability of willing Naval Service Reserve instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2413/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

I am informed by the military authorities that there is no prohibition on members of the Naval Reserve training new recruits for the Naval Service Reserve. Participation by members of the RDF as training staff is encouraged and Naval Service Reserve instructors have previously assisted with the delivery of NSR recruit training.

All Naval Recruit, Branch and Professional Training is conducted under the aegis of the Naval College which is located between the Naval Base in Haulbowline and the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) campus in Ringaskiddy. The Naval College is the sole Naval Service training authority. It ensures quality assurance in regard to the maintenance of the required training standard for both PDF and RDF personnel who, on completion of training, may deploy across a range of sea-going or shore units throughout their careers. In this regard the Naval College provides a centre of excellence for training and allows concentration of recruits into viable class sizes.