Defence Forces

Thursday, 30 September 2021

Questions (134)

Brendan Smith

Question:

134. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47120/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations.

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 August 2021, is set out in the following table.

Service	Total Effective Personnel
Army Reserve	1389
Naval Reserve	125
First Line Reserve	262

While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

The Military Authorities have further advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID -19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions.

This revised framework, I understand, affords more scope for RDF Training within the parameters of government guidelines, and is facilitating the commencement of the RDF Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capability.