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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Questions (49)

Gary Gannon

Question:

49. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence his plans to ensure that talent, skills and personnel of the Reserve Defence Forces can be utilised in the near future in view of the current situation between the retention crisis in the Defence Forces and reservist contributions during the HSE cyber-attack; and if he plans to engage with employers to facilitate paid leave and job protection for reservists being mobilised. [34671/21]

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Written answers

The 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 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 White Paper project relating to a skills survey of the RDF was initiated and the completed survey provides an overview of the range of skills available within the Reserve.

As part of the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the Report of the Public Sector Pay Commission on recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces, 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 already undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of members of the Reserve will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold.

The Government has additionally given approval for proposed amendments to the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020, which will update Defence legislation relating to utilisation of the RDF. These amendments will enhance the role of the RDF by removing the current legislative restrictions on the activities they perform, including the restriction on serving overseas. The Report Stage debate relating to this amendment is scheduled for Wednesday 30 June.

The Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, which as the Deputy will be aware, is also expected to include proposals on 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.

The proposed amendments to the Bill, do not prejudge any possible recommendations from the Commission, but will facilitate the implementation of any recommendations the Commission may make, which would, of necessity, require legislative amendments.

A number of RDF members are currently engaged, on a voluntary basis and where personal circumstances allow, in authorised COVID-19 activities in a supporting role to the response of the Permanent Defence Force to the COVID19 crisis. In this regard, members of the Reserve served a total of 1,457 Covid-related days in 2020 with a further 505 such days served by Reservists in 2021, to the end of May. Members of the Reserve are paid in such circumstances and their support is welcomed.

Members of the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) are not employed or engaged under a contract of employment and are not employees per se . Furthermore, service with the AR and NSR is not pensionable under the Army Pension Schemes. As members of the Reserve undertake activities on a voluntary basis, there are presently no plans to introduce paid leave or employment protection legislation in relation to their voluntary activities within the RDF.

While the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020 has provided for employment protection for members of the Reserve when called up on permanent service, there are no plans to call RDF members out permanently.

While the primary role of the Defence Forces with regard to Cyber Security relates to the defence and security of its own networks and systems, the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, including the RDF, are committed to participating, under the leadership of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, in the delivery of measures to improve the Cyber Security of the State.

Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 34
Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 16.
Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 22.
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