Sorca Clarke
Question:462. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52570/21]
View answerTuesday, 2 November 2021
Questions (462)
Written answers
The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very significant impact on Defence Forces recruitment, including to the Reserve, and has resulted in a pause to most collective training activities and induction processing. Nevertheless, 29 additional new members have been inducted thus far this year, with 17 inducted into the AR and 12 inducted into the NSR.
The Military Authorities have 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, facilitates 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.
While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.