Gary Gannon
Question:187. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence the current position on the first line reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38711/21]
View answerWednesday, 14 July 2021
Questions (187)
Written answers
The strength of the First Line Reserve (FLR) is 262 members, as of 31 May 2020. As outlined in the White Paper on Defence, the Government has decided to retain the FLR.
The existing regulatory framework provides for former members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) to join the Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve. This is subject to their meeting certain criteria. Direct entry to the FLR is limited to personnel who are departing the PDF and have undertaken, either voluntarily or on foot of a contractual commitment, to complete a period of service in the FLR.
A review of the regulatory framework underpinning the FLR, with a view to presenting proposals on terms and conditions of membership, is due to commence upon completion of the projects arising from the High Level Implementation Plan (HLIP) "Strengthening Our Defence Forces". As the Deputy will be aware, significant progress has been made in relation to the HLIP and the majority of projects have been finalised.
As part of its terms of reference, the Commission on the Defence Forces will examine the role and contribution of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), including its legislation, the regulations governing the RDF, and the development of the FLR. The Commission is due to report at the end of the year.
In the interim, where the Military Authorities submit applications for the purposes of meeting a specialist capability gap in the PDF, they will be considered by me under the provisions of the current regulatory framework, on a case by case basis.