Brendan Smith
Question:46. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to recruit new members to the Reserve Defence Force in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23268/17]
View answerWednesday, 17 May 2017
Questions (46)
Written answers
My Government colleagues and I recognise the important role that the Reserve Defence Force has played in contributing to Ireland’s defence capability, and we recognise the voluntary service which has been the hallmark of the Reserve. The Government appreciates the service of the members of the Reserve and the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve.
The White Paper on Defence confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the Permanent Defence Force in times of crisis. In non-crisis situations, the main focus will be on training to prepare for this role. The White Paper on Defence also noted that members of the RDF continue to play an important role in contributing to State ceremonial events. The Government values this contribution and decided that it should be assigned as a formal role for the Reserve.
Recruitment to both the PDF and RDF remains a priority in 2017. Membership of the RDF is voluntary and unpaid and the quest for recruits must compete with the other organisations within the voluntary sector. These conditions along with the unique demands of military service make the issue of attracting recruits to the Reserve a challenging one. This challenge is not unique to Ireland.
In the context of both finite resources and personnel, it is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of PDF and RDF recruitment, so as to deliver the desired effects of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned to it by Government and to advance the single force structure.
It is anticipated the next RDF recruitment campaign will commence in the second half of 2017. Until then the RDF will continue to induct from the 2015/2016 panel. The Defence Forces are reviewing the 2015/2016 RDF competition and as part of this process are examining the competition model to be used in 2017. I wish to see an acceleration in the rate of recruitment to the Reserve within the available means and resources.