Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2019
60. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if a new open recruitment campaign for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve will commence early in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48264/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that, while there are no specific dates as of yet, it is intended that a recruitment campaign for the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) will be opened in March/April 2020.
There were two recruitment campaigns for the AR and the NSR in 2019, one in March and a second in October. These attracted a total of 2,603 applications, 2,140 to join the AR (including 319 female applicants) and 463 to join the NSR (including 69 female applicants).
This year, as of 31 October, 85 new members have been inducted into the AR (including 8 females) and 17 into the NSR (including 2 females).
The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the AR and NSR. Supports being provided to maximise recruitment to the AR and NSR include the use of social media and outreach activities by members.
