Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 January 2019
49. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies in the Reserve Defence Forces by rank and unit at 31 December 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4726/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of vacancies in the Reserve Defence Forces, as of 31 December 2018, is set out in the following table. The vacancies are broken down by Brigade as unit break downs could not be provided within the time set out for reply.
|
Unit Vacancies |
Pte |
Cpl |
Sgt |
CQ |
CS |
BQ |
BSM |
Lt |
Capt |
Comdt |
Lt Col |
|
DFHQ |
0 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
|
1 Brigade |
818 |
161 |
25 |
5 |
8 |
+2 |
0 |
+32 |
+3 |
6 |
0 |
|
2 Brigade |
889 |
183 |
20 |
+16 |
+7 |
+3 |
+1 |
+26 |
8 |
12 |
0 |
|
DFTC |
36 |
30 |
+5 |
0 |
+2 |
0 |
1 |
+6 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
|
Naval Service |
38 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
+5 |
11 |
0 |
+1 |
*a plus value in a cell indicates that the given rank is above establishment by that figure.
The Government recognises the important role that the RDF play in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The White Paper on Defence (2015) is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force and it is currently on a developmental path arising from the recommendations of the White Paper.
The military authorities have informed me that they plan to run two recruitment campaigns for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve this year, one in March and a second in October. Exact opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed.
Following on from the consolidation of the RDF, the strength at some ranks exceeded establishment figures. This is a legacy issue attributable to the effects of the reorganisation. Therefore these ranks are counted supernumerary to establishment.
