Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
72. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the developments that have taken place since the completion of the Reserve Defence Force skills survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36190/20]
View answerThe Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The 2015 White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF. The White Paper also sets out a blueprint for the development of the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to support the PDF in crisis situations and to contribute to State ceremonial events. In non-crisis situations the main focus is on training for this role.
The White Paper states that the types of tasks that the RDF could be required to undertake in crisis situations is varied. It acknowledges that there may be professional skills that on occasion may not be readily available in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and outlines an intention to harness specialist skills that members of the Reserve may have to better support the PDF.
A range of actions and supports, including legislative provisions, are required to develop this concept. In this context, a Skills Survey of the RDF has been undertaken which provides an overview of the range of skills available within the Reserve. A Workforce Planning project is underway which will identify skills sets in the PDF and identify appropriate measures to address any such gaps. The skills survey undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of Reservists will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold.
The Programme for Government 2020 contains a commitment to establish an Independent Commission on the Defence Forces. The work of the Commission will also encompass the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation; the regulations governing the RDF, the development of the First Line Reserve (FLR) and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas.
