John Brady
Question:791. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current strength level of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14752/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (791)
Written answers
The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the Army Reserve (AR), the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) and the First Line Reserve (FLR).
As at 31 January 2021, the effective strength of the AR is 1,458 personnel and the NSR is 125 personnel. The strength of the FLR at that date, is 263 personnel.
The Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, however the capacity to induct and train recruits has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The same personnel and resources are utilised for both Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and Reserve Defence Force (RDF) recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
Taking public health guidelines into account, the Defence Forces have remained committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted and last year new members were inducted into the Army Reserve (62), and Naval Service Reserve (7).
I have been advised that the Defence Forces are introducing ongoing recruitment to the AR and NSR this year, similar to the model currently used for the PDF General Service recruitment.