Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2022
160. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the recommendation from the Commission on the Defence Forces report regarding increasing the size and capabilities of the Reserve Defence Forces that his Department considering for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23795/22]
View answerI wish to reiterate that the Government remains committed to the RDF. Indeed, the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the Permanent Defence Force.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, published last February, contains many detailed recommendations, including on the future structure and role of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
There is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate therefore, for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of the Government's consideration.
