Thursday, 21 Mar 2024

Written Answers Nos. 121-140

Bus Services

Questions (121)

Patrick Costello

Question:

121. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the implementation of the BusConnects project. [13140/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, providing better bus services across our cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State, and is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

In Dublin, the major infrastructure element of of BusConnects comprises 12 Core Bus Corridor schemes. These Corridors aim to provide over 200 km of enhanced walking, cycling, and bus route infrastructure in the Dublin region. An Bord Pleanála recently granted planning permission to two of the Corridors - the Clongriffin and Liffey Valley schemes.

Meanwhile, new bus services in Dublin are already being delivered with the first five phases of the Network Redesign rolled out in recent years. This roll out will continue in the coming years.

In Cork, following a public consultation, the new BusConnects network was published in June 2022, and it aims to provide an increase of over 50% in bus services across the city. Planning for the implementation of the new bus network has commenced and it is expected that the new network will be implemented in the coming years.

Another key component of the BusConnects Cork programme is the implementation of bus priority measures, generally bus lanes, on key bus corridors serving the city. A third round of non-statutory public consultation on the 11 Sustainable Transport Corridors commenced ran from November to December 2023. Preparation of a Preliminary Business Case for the programme is ongoing.

Similarly, BusConnects Galway will provide a major enhancement to the bus system there. Key elements are currently under development, namely the Cross City Link project and the Dublin Road scheme. The Salmon Weir Pedestrian/Cycling Bridge was officially opened to the public last May. The bus network design was finalised last December following a public consultation, and it will provide improved services, including in Bearna and Oranmore.

For Limerick, following public consultation, the NTA published the final redesigned bus network last December, which will also result in a better bus service for the city in the years ahead.

For Waterford, workshops on the redesign of Waterford’s City bus network have been complete. The new network will be published for public consultation by the end of Quarter 2 2024 with the final network will be published in Quarter 4 2024.

Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably, and I look forward to its full implementation.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The NTA has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Public Transport

Questions (122)

James Lawless

Question:

122. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the Dart West scheme can be expanded to include Kilcock station, particularly given that the depot for storing vehicles will be just on the edge of Kilcock town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8009/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport in Ireland, including in relation to the rail network. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the DART+ programme.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 77.

Road Network

Questions (124)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

124. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will bring forward a rescue package for road network in County Clare that have fallen into significant disrepair following a harsh winter and an extended period of poor investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13286/24]

Written answers

Minister for Transport

In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.

On 15th February an Exchequer investment of €658 million in our regional and local roads across the State was announced which represents an increase of €32 million over the 2023 allocations. Each local authority received an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement grant. This Exchequer funding is intended to supplement realistic contributions from local authorities’ own resources.

Clare County Council received a total allocation of €43,594,200 this year which represents an increase of €4,809,600 in comparison to the 2023 allocation.

In line with established practice, the Department emphasises to local authorities each year the importance of setting aside a contingency fund to manage severe weather events, including flooding and cold weather.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.

A major priority in the National Development Plan, in line with the Department’s investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing National Road network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion in capital exchequer funding for the Protection and Renewal of existing National Roads over the 10-year period to 2030. In addition, current Protection and Renewal funding is provided to local authorities each year for the regular maintenance of the National Road network in their respective areas, which includes lighting and winter safety measures.In 2024, €3,244,000 in capital exchequer funding was allocated to Clare County Council for the protection and renewal of the National Road network in the county, with a further allocation of €571,946 in current funding for regular maintenance of the network. Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to works that are planned in Clare in 2024. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Middle East

Questions (125)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

125. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to conduct a detailed assessment of whether genocide is being committed in the context of the war in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13357/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Government is deeply concerned at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. As the Deputy will be aware, South Africa initiated proceedings at the International Court of Justice against Israel in which it claims that Israel has violated a number of provisions of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide (‘Genocide Convention’). I have been closely monitoring developments in this case.

I welcomed the Court’s January Order in the case, particularly the direction that Israel take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Ireland has been consistent in calling for these from the start of this conflict.

My officials continue to analyse the legal and policy aspects of this case, and we are in contact with South Africa and other like-minded partners in this regard.

Passport Services

Questions (126)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

126. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a decision will be made in relation to a passport application lodged by a person in County Galway (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing said passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13383/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant.

Foreign Policy

Questions (127)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

127. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason the State has never officially recognised the slaughter of Armenians in 1915 as a genocide; and whether he would officially recognise and remember that genocide this year on an appropriate date, such as remembrance day on 24 April. [13430/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Irish Government views the terrible events which saw the deaths of a large number of the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire as a tragedy, and has expressed deepest sympathy for the enormous suffering of the Armenian people during this period.

The term ‘genocide’ has a particular meaning under international law. The Government has not taken a stance on whether those terrible events should be described as a genocide. To reach a conclusion that any event amounts to genocide involves the consideration and determination of a number of complex factual and legal issues, including an assessment of the actions and intentions of many parties.

Currently, there is no international consensus on whether these events amount to genocide. No Irish or international court has issued a final judgment recognising these terrible events as an act of genocide.

Ireland’s position on the description of these events does not diminish in any way our recognition of the terrible and shocking nature of what occurred to the Armenian people between 1915 and 1917.

Northern Ireland

Questions (128)

Brendan Smith

Question:

128. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the interim report of Operation Kenova with particular reference to the actions of the British agent in the IRA which caused so many tragedies and loss of life; if he has expressed concern about the failure to pursue prosecutions for deplorable actions detailed in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13540/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I have not yet had the opportunity to raise the publication of the Operation Kenova Interim Report with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, but will do so shortly in the context of our ongoing exchanges.

As I stated on 8 March, the date on which the interim report was published, the ‘one thing that emerges immediately from the interim report is the centrality of victims and their families. This underlines the need for a comprehensive, collective and victim-centred approach to legacy issues.’ In this context I look forward to the publication of the Operation Kenova final report.

I also welcomed the strong emphasis in the interim report on the European Convention on Human Rights, which is an essential safeguard under the Good Friday Agreement.

The interim report reiterates that the Provisional IRA was responsible for the most deaths in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, over 1700.

The interim report finds that the republican leadership has failed to acknowledge and apologise for the Provisional IRA’s “murderous activities” and the intimidation of families.

The interim report is similarly unsparing in describing the actions of its so-called “Internal Security Unit” as representing “the worst of what one human being will do to another”.

The interim report makes clear the challenging circumstances facing those who worked to keep people safe throughout the Troubles. However, it also states that serious crimes “were not prevented when they could and should have been.” It states Special Branch and the FRU withheld information in order to protect their agents, with the result very serious offences, including murder were not prevented or investigated.

This was a profound failure and an appalling dereliction of duty.

What the Kenova report makes clear is that “legacy cases can be investigated successfully, and the truth can be uncovered.” It is deeply disappointing that no prosecutions will be pursued following the publication of the Interim report.

Cross-Border Co-operation

Questions (129)

Brendan Smith

Question:

129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures that will be implemented to grow even further and strengthen the all-Ireland economy following the very welcome growth in cross-Border trade since 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13541/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Government looks forward to working closely with the new Executive, particularly through the framework of the North South Ministerial Council, on the many areas where North-South cooperation makes a positive difference to the lives of the people of this island. This includes the work of InterTrade Ireland, whose mission is to support businesses to take advantage of north–south co-operative opportunities to improve capability and drive competitiveness, jobs and growth.

Underpinning the restoration of the institutions are a comprehensive set of trade arrangements agreed between the EU and the UK, namely the Windsor Framework. These reaffirm Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market while also securing Northern Ireland’s access to the EU Single Market for goods. Ultimately, these arrangements have the practical effect of protecting North South trade, supporting businesses and jobs across the island while importantly providing a unique opportunity for northern business.

The development of an integrated all-island economy is one of the key achievements of the peace process. The growth of the all-island economy has helped to drive prosperity North and South, reinforcing the peace dividend for communities across the island. Cross-border trade in goods and services is estimated to be valued at approximately €11.6 billion, a threefold increase since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Protecting and growing the all-island economy is a major priority for the Government, as reflected in the Shared Island Initiative and revised National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP). In February, the Government approved the largest ever allocation for cross-border projects, with a total funding package of €800 million. These include major upgrades to connectivity on the island, such as providing €600 million for the upgrade of the A5 road, funding for the construction of the landmark Narrow Water Bridge and additional funding to deliver an hourly rail connection between Dublin and Belfast. This investment will deliver enhanced cross-border connectivity, providing new opportunities for economic and social links and helping to grow the all-island economy.

The Government has committed €30 million to fund a collaborative pilot project between Enterprise Ireland, InterTrade Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland focused on promoting female entrepreneurship, cross-border networks, and sustainability and innovation. This work will be augmented by the PEACEPLUS SME Development and Transition Programme, which supports SMEs to scale up cross-border collaboration.

Through substantial investment in major infrastructure projects and targeted support for enterprise, the Government is confident of further sustained growth in the all-island economy.

Official Engagements

Questions (130)

Alan Kelly

Question:

130. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he last met the CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. [13335/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I regularly meet senior representatives of the SEAI, including the CEO, on a formal and informal basis through the work of my Department, including taskforces.

I most recently met with the CEO on 30 November 2023 as part of the heat and built environment taskforce.

I formally meet the CEO and Chairperson or Board annually; 31 May 2023 was the most recent of these meetings.

Official Travel

Questions (131)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

131. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 3372 of 7 February 2024, when a response will issue; the number of times he embarked on visits to foreign countries on behalf of the State since the formation of the Government; the geographical location of each visit; the number of days he spent abroad on such trips; the dates upon which each trip took place; and the associated travel and accommodation costs which were incurred by his Department in relation to each trip, in tabular form. [13389/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I apologise for the delay in responding to the Deputy's question. The requested information will be sent to the Deputy by the end of next week, 25-31 March.

Energy Policy

Questions (132, 133)

Paul Murphy

Question:

132. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if, in relation to the proposed Electricity Storage Framework Policy for Ireland, he will ensure that a proper regulatory structure with particular emphasis on safety standards is put in place; and if he will instruct his Department to seek expert advice and that international guidelines on safety are followed, based on the internationally recognised NFPA 855 (2023), verifying all battery cells conform with UL9540a specifications and testing (including second life batteries) is up to date in regard to NFPA, EPRI and independent experts in the field. [13395/24]

Paul Murphy

Question:

133. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if, in relation to the proposed Electricity Storage Framework Policy for Ireland, he will ensure there are proper facilities for collection of toxic water run-off in place to protect the environment (details supplied). [13396/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

Electricity storage systems, including large-scale Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (Li-BESS), are critical in providing flexibility to the Irish electricity system. Electricity storage systems increase the volume of renewable electricity on the grid as well as providing grid efficiency functions. Electricity storage systems in this way support Ireland’s legally binding greenhouse gas emissions reductions, as set out in the latest iteration of the Climate Action Plan.

My Department is developing an electricity storage policy framework due for publication in Q2, 2024. The electricity storage policy framework will set out the safety and regulatory structures in place, with particular focus on the International Electrotechnical commission (IEC) and European Standards (EN) adopted by member states and developed by the European committee for standardisation (CEN), the European committee for electrotechnical standardisation (CENELEC) and the European telecommunication standards institute (ETSI).

The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) are responsible for reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage, including licensing, charging and market incentives.

Planning policy and related guidelines are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the first instance, and not one in which my Department would have any direct function.

An Bord Pleanála and the individual planning authorities assess electricity storage planning applications with recourse to all relevant policy documentation, consistent with the National Planning Framework. Principal assessment criteria, in addition to compliance with national, regional and local policies, will depend on the specific electricity storage project under assessment and the proposed location, but considerations may include: fire safety standards; the most efficient use of land and infrastructure; the visual impacts of storage units; and potential environmental / ecological risks posed by storage projects in proposed locations.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 132.

Telecommunications Services

Questions (134)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

134. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the practice of automatic price increases from service providers for TV, broadband and phone services; his further views on a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13401/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The pricing levels set by telecommunication services providers, including for mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for those relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with Section 11 of the 2002 Act and is directly accountable for the performance of its functions to Committees of the Oireachtas in accordance with Section 34(2) of the same Act. My officials are examining the matter and will be guided by legal advice on appropriate policy options, but any proposal to legislate to prevent retail providers from offering variable priced contracts – based on the CPI – would require careful consideration. Finally, any concerns about anti-competitive behaviours in the electronic communications sector should be directed to ComReg which is a national competition authority in Ireland.

Inland Fisheries

Questions (135)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

135. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a fisheries matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13482/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

As previously reported to the Deputy, IFI is currently carrying out a review of relevant inland fisheries bye-laws in force for 10 years or more and their continued application and the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 are being examined as part of this work.

The management of any species of fish in Lough Ree on indeed any fishery within the state is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any function.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries in relation to operational matters can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is [e-mail].

Just Transition

Questions (136, 137)

Richard Bruton

Question:

136. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projects which have been funded to date from the Just Transition Fund in County Offaly; their scope and planned impact; the number of applications from the county; and their current status. [13544/24]

Richard Bruton

Question:

137. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has reviewed the operation of the Just Transition Fund to date; the lessons which have been learnt; when it is intended to establish a Statutory Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13545/24]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.

The Government is committed to a just transition in order to ensure that nobody is left behind as we work to transition to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. In respect of the Midlands, the Government continues to support workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the ending of peat extraction by Bord na Móna through both the National and EU Just Transition Funds.

The National Just Transition Fund, established in 2020, funds local and community-led projects, which are implementing innovative plans to support the transition to a low carbon economy across a range of activities. The Fund will provide up to €22 million in grant assistance to supported projects until the end of 2024. For this reason, it is envisaged that an ex-post review of the operation of the Fund will commence during 2024. Details of all projects being supported, and grant amounts awarded, are published on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/.

The National Just Transition Fund is supporting 19 projects with addresses in Offaly. Five of these projects have been completed, 13 remain in delivery and one was withdrawn by the project sponsor without receiving any funding. Projects are being implemented across a range of activities, including regional development, green energy, tourism, conservation, regeneration and retrofitting of buildings, education, food research, and business development. The following table sets out an overview of the grant funding provided to these projects.

Total cost of projects with addresses in Offaly	€9,293,724
Total National JTF awarded	€7,424,162
Total National JTF drawn down to date	€3,712,403
Percentage of funding drawn down to date	50%

In relation to Ireland's EU Just Transition Fund Programme, details of grant awards under individual funding calls will be made available as they are announced through the website of the Programme's Managing Authority at emra.ie/eu-jtf/.

Separately, the Climate Action Plan 2023 committed the Government to the establishment a Just Transition Commission to provide advice to Government on how to ensure a just transition.

In September 2023, I convened a Just Transition Taskforce to make recommendations on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission, in line with the proposed mandate set out in Climate Action Plan 2023. The Taskforce comprised representatives of the key social dialogue pillars (employers, trade unions, farming groups, social NGOs, and environmental NGOs), as well as the National Economic and Social Council and relevant Government Departments.

The work of the Just Transition Taskforce has now concluded and I am considering its final report. It is my intention to move quickly to have the Taskforce's report and recommendations considered by Government with a view to establishing a Just Transition Commission at an early opportunity.

Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 136.

Defence Forces

Questions (138)

Alan Kelly

Question:

138. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of personnel, by rank, currently in the Defence Forces Medical Corps; and if he will provide the corresponding figures as of 1 April 2021, in tabular form. [13341/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

It has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to the above-referenced Parliamentary Question and my original reply stating that it was not possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I am now in a position to do so. The military authorities have provided the following requested information in tabular form:

Table: Medical Corps Personnel, By Rank 01 April 2021 and 01 April 2024

	PTE 3 Star	CPL	SGT	CQMS	CS	BQMS	SGT MAJ	LT	CAPT	COMDT	LT COL	COL	Total
Strength at 01 APR 21	67	62	35	5	4	1	2	2	9	13	7	2	209
Strength at 01 APR 24	83	54	26	5	4	1	2	0	11	11	7	2	206

Defence Forces

Questions (139, 145)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps continues to receive specialist training to deal with emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13440/24]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces are adequately trained and available to deal with emergency situations that may arise either by way of natural disaster or terrorist threat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13446/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 145 together.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. At National level, representation on the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning by both the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, ensures the fullest coordination and cooperation in the event of an emergency.

In accordance with the Framework for Major Emergency Management, primary responsibility for responding to emergencies such as severe weather events or terrorist attacks rests with the three designated principal response agencies, namely, the relevant Local Authority, An Garda Síochána, and the Health Service Executive. The Defence Forces provides assistance within means to the appropriate Lead Department or Principal Response Agency in the event of a natural disaster or an emergency situation in its Aid to the Civil Authority (ATCA) and Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) roles.

In respect of security threats, responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. There is on-going and close liaison between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces regarding security matters, including ATCP deployments and includes military training activities which are specifically designed to respond to possible security emergencies.

Following the publication of the Commission on the Defence Forces Report in February 2022, implementation of the Commission's recommendations will result in significant increased investment in capability development over the coming years and is a demonstration of the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security challenges.

I am committed to ensuring that the personnel of the Defence Forces continue to be equipped and trained to best international standards and I can confirm that the Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities for dealing with a wide range of threats and emergencies under constant review.

Defence Forces

Questions (140)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps reserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13441/24]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The Reserve Defence Force comprises the Army Reserve (AR), Naval Service Reserve (NSR) and the First Line Reserve (FLR).

The RDF is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve The FLR consists of former trained members of the PDF who are available at short notice to supplement the PDF in times of crisis.

The current strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of 31 January 2024 is as follows:

Service	Total Effective Personnel
Army Reserve	1,322
Naval Service Reserve	89
First Line Reserve	282

The strategic objective for the RDF is the development of a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas. This is an underlying message in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces.

The structure and strength of the RDF is a key focus of the Defence Force's Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established in line with a recommendation from the Commission’s Report and its immediate priorities are the development of a Regeneration Plan, in addition to focusing on general recruitment into the RDF.

While there is not currently an Air Corps Reserve, in terms of the strength and structure of the RDF, one of the key recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces, which will be considered in the context of ongoing work on the future strength of the RDF, is to increase the future RDF establishment strength to include at a minimum, the establishment of an Air Force Reserve of 200, and increasing the Navy Reserve to 400.