Duncan Smith
Question:203. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the reason recruitment and training has continued for the PDF but not the RDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37437/20]
View answerThursday, 19 November 2020
Questions (203)
Written answers
I am advised by the military authorities that a recruitment campaign for the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) was opened in spring of this year. However, the restrictions imposed in the interests of public health as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic have had a significant impact on certain Defence Forces activities, leading to difficulties in conducting inductions and training, including for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). This has impacted on the intake of Reserve recruits in the latter half of the year. Nevertheless, 65 additional new RDF members have been inducted to date this year, with 59 inducted into the AR and 6 inducted into the NSR.
Given the competing recruitment demands at present, Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruitment is, and will remain a priority. While the Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the AR and NSR, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision was made by the military authorities to reduce the amount of RDF training activities in order to comply with public health guidelines. While training has been limited, as the Defence Forces continue to contribute to the Government’s response to the current COVID 19 response, some members of the Reserve who have skills which are required in that response, have been engaged in authorised COVID 19 training activities in support of the PDF, on a voluntary basis, and where their personal circumstances allow. Their contribution at this time is greatly appreciated.