Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
7. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of active members of the Reserve Defence Forces; the number of new reservists recruited during the 2018 campaign; if a recruitment campaign will open in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35118/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of three elements, the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The Government appreciates the service of the members of the RDF and recognises the important role that the three elements play in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and it is currently on a development path arising from the recommendations of the White Paper.
As of 31st July 2019, the substantive strength of the First Line Reserve is 296 personnel; the effective strength of the Army Reserve is 1549 personnel and that of the Naval Service Reserve is 141 personnel.
The most recent recruitment campaign for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve was held in March this year.
The following table contains the number of inductions to the AR and NSR in 2018 and 2019 (to 21/08/2019):
|
Year |
Army Reserve |
Naval Service Reserve |
Total |
|
2019 |
69 |
17 |
86 |
|
2018 |
129 |
13 |
142 |
*based on figures provided by the Military Authorities on 21/08/2019
The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the RDF. Supports being provided to maximise recruitment to the Reserve include the use of social media, local radio and outreach activities by RDF members. The next recruitment campaign for the AR and NSR is scheduled for September/October of this year.
