Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which part-time members of the Defence Forces are given opportunities to upgrade their skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29800/23]
View answerI presume the Deputy is referring to the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve in his question.
Members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are volunteers who undertake training in their spare time. In order to facilitate the voluntary nature of Reserve Service and to maximise attendance of Reserve personnel, training continues to be organised both in and out of normal working hours, at weekends and during academic and traditional holiday periods.
The primary function of training and education in both the Permanent Defence Force and the Reserve Defence Force is to develop and maintain capabilities necessary to enable personnel to fulfil the roles laid down by Government. The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces, including the Reserve, is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. In addition, the Commission on the Defence Forces Report sets out a developmental path for the Reserve and confirms that the primary role of the Reserve has been to augment the PDF in crisis situations and will now also include the utilisation of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the PDF, where it is in the best interests of the PDF.
For the current year, a budget of €2.15 million is provided, of which €2.068 million is allocated for Paid Training days for members of the Reserve. Within this budget, seven days annual paid training is provided for in respect of each effective member of the Reserve. The budget also provides for fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the Reserve in 2023 along with career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.
I am satisfied that members of the Amy Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are afforded the opportunity to avail of training and update their skills on an ongoing basis.
The Deputy will also be aware that as part of taking forward recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces, a Regeneration Plan to revitalise the RDF is under preparation and will have due regard to other recommendations in that Report, relating to the RDF.
