Defence Forces Reserve Strength

Wednesday, 6 November 2019

Questions (71)

Jack Chambers

Question:

71. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up-to-date figures for the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45657/19]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR).

The effective strength of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR), as of 30 September 2019, is set out below:

Table 1

The breakdown of females the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve for the same period is as follows:-

Table 2

The substantive strength of the First line Reserve for the same period is as follows:-

FORMATION*	OFFR	NCO	PTE	TOTAL
ARMY	16	12	134	162
AIR CORPS	2	4	19	25
NAVAL SERVICE	17	13	84	114
TOTAL	35	29	237	301

*The gender breakdown of the FLR is not available

The Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capability.