Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
159. 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 on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3030/24]
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 (RDF) 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.
A long term regeneration plan is being prepared following the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF). This plan is spearheaded by the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established last year on foot of the CoDF recommendations and will involve various goals around recruitment in order to bolster the strength and activity of the RDF.
The budget of €2,050,000 for the RDF was exceeded last year by nearly €190,000, due to an increase in training days completed by RDF members in 2023. This is a clear example of the positive growth and regeneration of the RDF in 2023 and, as a result, an increase in the budget has been provided for 2024.
I am satisfied that members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are afforded the opportunity to avail of training and update their skills on an ongoing basis.
