Sorca Clarke
Ceist:143. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the embassies that have a cultural officer in tabular form. [43967/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (143)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government’s Global Ireland 2025 Strategy identified the appointment of specialist Cultural Officers in priority locations worldwide as a key strategic action to strengthen our global cultural impact. This programme is being delivered in a close partnership between my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
To date, Cultural Officers have been appointed to the following three Missions:
|
Mission |
Location |
|
Embassy of Ireland, Germany |
Berlin |
|
Embassy of Ireland, Great Britain |
London |
|
Consulate General of Ireland, New York |
New York |
Departmental Budgets
Ceisteanna (144)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:144. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current budgets in his Department for social media advertising for 2021; and the campaigns behind each budget line in tabular form. [44022/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department engages in public awareness advertising where there is important information that needs to be brought to the attention of citizens. In 2020, some examples of campaigns included the Passport Online and ‘Getting Ireland Brexit Ready’, both these campaigns will be ongoing in 2021.
Dependent on the situation in regard to international travel in 2021, the estimated budget for the Passport Online Campaign will be approximately €400,000. This is in line with previous such campaigns. The objective being to have a continual presence and awareness of the Online Passport Service for Irish adults and children. If it goes ahead, the campaign will have a multi-faceted approach, through social media platforms, national and regional print and broadcast media and outdoor advertising.
Expenditure on the “Getting Ireland Brexit Ready” Public Information campaign was approximately €710,000 in 2020. While the costs of the 2020 campaign were borne by my Department, this is a whole of Government campaign prepared and executed in partnership with other Government Departments and Agencies, in particular, the Department of the Taoiseach. The public information campaign will continue pending the outcome of the EU – UK negotiations and subsequent political developments and decisions. Campaign details and projected expenditure in this area will be made available once those plans have been finalised.
In addition to public awareness advertising my Department also participates in a number of public outreach opportunities. Such outreach events provide an effective means to engage with a broad cross-section of the public. They are particularly important in providing essential information concerning the services and programmes operated by the Department and to keep the public informed of the many areas of work where the Department of Foreign Affairs is active on their behalf.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, Public Outreach engagements currently foreseen for the first half of 2021 include providing a digital information stand and workshops at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition 2021, a digital celebration of Africa Day and online platforms to showcase Ireland and engage with our diaspora over the St. Patrick's Day period. The budget available for these events is still being finalised, but indicatively, the equivalent budget during 2020 was in the region of €220,000.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (145)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:145. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland about the need to implement the Stormont House Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44037/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, which was collectively agreed in 2014 by the two Governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland after extensive talks.
The Stormont House framework allows us to deal fairly and comprehensively with the legacy of the Troubles, in a way that responds to the needs of victims and survivors, and society as a whole. It is vital that it is implemented; indeed the wait has already been too long.
In March of this year, the UK Government proposed significant changes to the Stormont House framework. We have expressed our serious concerns about not only the substance of those changes, but also about the need for any such changes to be discussed and agreed collectively.
I have engaged with the the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regularly on this issue, most recently at our meeting in Belfast in October, to underline our concerns on these issues. Contacts on the issue are also taking place at official level, and our message that the Stormont House Agreement is the way forward has been underlined at every opportunity. The Government remains ready to engage and work with the British Government and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive in partnership on this very important issue in the period immediately ahead, with a view to reaffirming a collective approach that is consistent with the Stormont House Agreement framework.
Dublin-Monaghan Bombings
Ceisteanna (146)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:146. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the UK Foreign Secretary about the unanimous motions passed in Dáil Éireann on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings of 1974; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44038/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government stands in solidarity with all those impacted by the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. Thirty three people were killed and hundreds seriously injured on that awful day in 1974; we will continue to seek the full truth of these appalling attacks, and some measure of closure for the victims' families and survivors, in accordance with the three Motions passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann to date.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings that was adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, calls on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow. The Programme for Government reiterates Ireland’s commitment to engaging with the British Government on this issue as matter of priority, in accordance with the All-Party Dáil motions.
The Government is committed to actively pursuing the implementation of these All-Party Dáil motions, and has consistently raised the issue with the British Government, including at the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference, and during regular engagement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland - I most recently raised the need for urgent progress on this issue directly with Secretary of State Lewis when we met in Belfast in October.
We have made clear to our counterparts that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government, and that there remains an urgent need for a response. The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on this request, at senior political level and in official level engagement by my Department, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue until a resolution is found.
Peace and Reconciliation Programme
Ceisteanna (147)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:147. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding allocated in 2020 for peace and reconciliation projects; the expected expenditure at the end of 2020; the funding provided for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44039/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Reconciliation Fund, which is administered by my Department, was established in 1982 to support civil society organisations in creating a better understanding between people and traditions on the island of Ireland, and also between Ireland and Britain. The Reconciliation Fund has supported almost 3,000 projects with more than €60 million in grant funding since its establishment.
The annual budget for the Fund was increased from €2.7 million to €3.7 million with effect from 2019. In the New Decade New Approach agreement which saw the restoration of devolved Government in Northern Ireland earlier this year, the Government committed to maintaining that level of funding.
The final grant payments of 2020 are currently being administered and it is expected that the 2020 budget of €3.7 million will be spent in full.
In light of the Government's continuing commitment to support the work of Peace and Reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and recognising, in particular, the impact of Brexit and ongoing effects of Covid-19 on the organisations we support, it is my intention that the budget of the Reconciliation Fund will see a further increase in 2021, and I will be confirming that shortly.
Northern Ireland
Ceisteanna (148)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:148. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the most recent discussions he has had with the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland about the introduction of a bill of rights in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44040/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is an important provision of the Good Friday Agreement. The Good Friday Agreement sets out that such a Bill of Rights should be based on the European Convention on Human Rights, enhanced by additional rights to “reflect the principles of mutual respect for the identity and ethos of both communities and parity of esteem.”
The Government remains firmly committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of all aspects of the Agreement, including the provision for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The Government advanced the view during the 2014 Stormont House talks that a Bill of Rights could set out precisely and formally the rights upon which a shared society for Northern Ireland could be based.
The New Decade, New Approach agreement, reached in January 2020, included a commitment by the NI Executive to establish an Ad-Hoc Assembly Committee to consider the creation of a Bill of Rights.
The Ad Hoc Committee for a Bill of Rights has since been established. The Committee published its research paper on the “Key Issues for a Bill of Rights” in March 2020, and launched a public consultation in May. The issue has come to the fore in the context of Brexit, and it has been a key feature of discussions within civil society.
The Government will continue to support the implementation of all provisions of the Good Friday Agreement and, indeed the New Decade New Approach agreement, at every available opportunity.
Air Corps
Ceisteanna (149, 150, 151)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:149. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the person or body that chose the installation location of the recently installed outdoor gymnasium at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, County Dublin. [43855/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:150. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the Air Corps formation safety office allowed a leisure facility such as the new outdoor gymnasium at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, County Dublin, to be installed 15 m to 20 m from the low level exhaust stack of the Air Corps spray paint facility; if the exhaust stack routinely emits chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction; and if he has full confidence in the current Air Corps chemicals health and safety regime. [43856/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:151. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the cost of the new outdoor gym; the cost of installation; and the potential cost of relocating it to a safer alternative location at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, County Dublin. [43857/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 to 151, inclusive, together.
The Deputy will be aware that three protected disclosures were received in late 2015 and January 2016 in relation to the Air Corps. Legal advice was sought and an independent reviewer was appointed. The Reviewer’s independent report considered the Defence Forces health and safety regime, its current policy and its application. Although the report found that the Defence Forces regime appears to be capable of meeting statutory requirements, it makes a number of observations; including in relation to documentation, health surveillance, and exposure monitoring. It also notes that the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the appropriate statutory body to deal with such allegations. The report of the independent reviewer was provided to the individuals who made the protected disclosures and it was also published on the Department of Defence website.
In parallel to the independent review, following an inspection in 2016 by the HSA, the Air Corps had continued to work with the HSA to improve its health and safety regime. The HSA has formally noted the considerable progress made to-date by the Defence Forces towards implementation of a safety management system for the control of hazardous substances. The HSA has now closed its investigation. However, it must be noted that in the Air Corps health and safety is a matter of ongoing monitoring, supervision and adjustment.
I am advised by my military authorities that the facility referred to by the Deputy is in fact an outdoor training area as distinct from an outdoor Gym. This equipment was installed at a cost of €21,918 including the neccessary site works. I am further advised that the Defence Forces do not plan to relocate the equipment elsewhere as they are not aware of any safety concerns pertaining to the current location.
Departmental Budgets
Ceisteanna (152)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:152. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the current budgets in his Department for social media advertising for 2021; and the campaigns behind each budget line in tabular form. [44017/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current budget in my Department for social media advertising for 2021 and the related campaigns are outlined in the table below.
|
Campaign |
Budget |
|
Summer Ready Campaign 2021 |
€5,000.00 |
|
Winter Ready Campaign 2021-2022 |
€5,000.00 |
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (153)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if a person or persons with detailed knowledge of the work of and demands on the Defence Forces over the years in the Border region and the unique security issues in that area will be appointed to the commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44076/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In accordance with a commitment made in the Programme for Government, I wish to confirm that Government approval was granted yesterday to establish an independent Commission on the Defence Forces. The Commission, which is due to commence its work before the end of this year, has been given a mandate to report within 12 months.
The membership of the Commission has been carefully chosen to ensure the optimum range of expertise in key areas including management, HR, security policy, public service, as well as both domestic and international military expertise. Membership of the Commission includes a number of former Defence Forces personnel and I am satisfied that this ensures that the Commission has a significant reservoir of domestic military experience at its disposal, including in relation to the border region.
A Press Release providing details of the Commission's Terms of Reference and membership has issued on my Department's website.
Defence Forces Personnel
Ceisteanna (154)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:154. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Army bands carry out annual range practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44109/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence Forces School of Music (DFSM) is a "Special Establishment" of the Defence Forces.
The DFSM has performed at all major ceremonial occasions since the foundation of the State, including all Presidential Inaugurations from that of President Douglas Hyde to the present day. The DFSM also provide musical support for all aspects of military life, including ceremonial parades, graduations, ship ceremonies, etc.
The Defence Forces School of Music engagement schedule includes attendance at Áras an Uachtaráin for Presentation of Credentials ceremonies of newly appointed Ambassadors, the provision of musical support for State visits to Ireland by foreign Heads of State and high profile State Engagements such as The National Day of Commemoration as well as public performances.
The DFSM is organised as follows:-
- Headquarter Company (including Directorate), The Director Defence Forces School of Music has responsibility for the overall direction of music policy within the Defence Forces.
- Army No.1 Band
- Band 1 Brigade
- Band 2 Brigade.
Instrumentalists of the DFSM are not required to carry out Annual Range Practice as they are enlisted as Direct Entry technicians to the DFSM for service as Instrumentalist specialists within the DFSM.
The DFSM also has responsibility for the musical training and equipping of Defence Forces pipe bands. These are made up of members of the Defence Forces who perform in Battalion Pipe Bands, in addition to their normal military function as infantry soldiers.
Naval Service
Ceisteanna (155)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:155. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken to increase linguistic skills and language capacity within the Naval Service in view of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44110/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Naval Service as a matter of course has, when conducting fisheries boarding, made use of language cards. These cards have been in use for a number of years and cover the phraseology required to conduct a fisheries inspection. The language cards are included in all boarding officers’ guides and cover the following languages:
- English;
- Danish;
- German;
- French;
- Irish;
- Dutch (Netherlands);
- Norwegian;
- Portuguese;
- Russian;
- Spanish.
Junior cadets under training also have, as part of their syllabus, Spanish Language training in Year 1. The Spanish fishing fleet is the largest Member state fishing fleet currently operating in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (156)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:156. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the Covid-19 measures that have been implemented to allow the Army bands to practice and train in their entirety. [44111/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Defence Forces School Music (DFSM) is organised as follows:-
- Headquarter Company (including Directorate),
- Army No.1 Band based in Cathal Brugha Bks, Dublin
- Band 1 Brigade based in Collins Bks, Cork
- Band 2 Brigade based in Custume Bks, Athlone.
In line with Defence Forces wide Covid 19 mitigation measures all DFSM personnel are provided with individual hand sanitisers and face masks. There are also sanitising stations outside all band rehearsal rooms and offices.
All rehearsal and training spaces have been measured and signage on the doors to these spaces indicates the number of personnel allowed in the rooms at any one time in order to comply with the 2 metre social distancing guidelines.
Small ensembles, typically quintets have been rehearsing, appropriately spaced, in rehearsal rooms. No equipment is shared and personnel have been working in woodwind/brass pods with no crossover between the pods.
The band conductor and percussionists wear masks during rehearsal and rehearsals are strictly limited to 50 minutes followed by a 20 minute period of ventilation. Corridors and rehearsal spaces are ventilated at all times during the working day.
In early November 2020, band halls in Cathal Brugha Bks, Dublin and Custume Bks, Athlone have been modified and fitted with the installation of air extraction systems . Perspex screens (2m high x 2mm thick) have been fitted in Collins Bks Cork and in Custume Bks Athlone . Screens will be provided in the Cathal Brugha Bks band hall by mid- January 2021. These measures will allow greater numbers to rehearse at any one time but will not allow for pre-Covid numbers of up to 30 persons per band.
A number of full band outdoor rehearsals took place during August and September with appropriate social distancing; however, even with the measures outlined above no band is rehearsing with full participation due to the limitations of the available spaces and strict adherence to the Government guidelines.
Defence Forces Reserve
Ceisteanna (157)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:157. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the procedures in place to ensure reservists when undertaking full-time training with the Defence Forces outside their area can vote in referendums or elections when they coincide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44112/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Electoral Act 1992 establishes a postal voters list and those who qualify to be entered in the list. The Act provides that a whole time member of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) shall be entered in the list. Having regard to the nature of military life, this entitlement ensures the right to vote for members of the PDF.
I am advised that the Defence Forces, through the Enlisted Personnel Management Office (EPMO), manage postal votes for eligible members of the PDF, in accordance with the relevant legislation.
The nature of service in the Reserve is part-time and on a voluntary basis. Members of the Reserve Defence Force therefore are not entitled to a Postal Vote in this context, unless members are engaged in full-time employment which attracts this facility.
The Defence Forces place a very high level of importance on ensuring that all personnel are provided with the opportunity to vote. Consequently, if RDF members undertaking full time training outside their area, I am advised by military authorities that it is a matter for local commanders to ensure that all personnel are facilitated to exercise this right.
Defence Forces Data
Ceisteanna (158)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:158. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of women and ethnic minorities in the Army, Naval Service, Air Corps and Reserve in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [44113/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am informed by the military authorities that it was not possible to collate the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
Defence Forces Personnel
Ceisteanna (159)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:159. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel currently used in Covid-19-related work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44114/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Whilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. It has the authority to draw together, in a joint manner, the contribution of all of the elements of the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve, etc. This was provided for in a Defence Forces Regulation signed by and under the authority of the Minister for Defence.
The Defence Forces Joint Task Force is based in McKee Barracks and its priority from the beginning has been to provide support to the HSE, while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support. The wide range of supports that the Defence Forces have provided to the HSE, as coordinated by the Joint Task Force during the COVID-19 crisis include:
- operation of the COVID-19 testing centre at the Aviva stadium;
- support for contact tracing efforts;
- transportation by the Air Corps of COVID-19 tests to Germany;
- collection of PPE from more than 260 cargo flights and the ongoing storage and distribution of this PPE to various HSE sites;
- support for HSE testing efforts including through deployment of Naval Service vessels to Dublin, Cork and Galway;
- PPE training to workers at Cork and Waterford harbours by Naval service personnel;
- provision of tentage and marshalling support at various HSE testing sites around the country;
- transportation of patients for testing;
- assistance with the fit out of temporary facilities for the HSE (for example, the HSE facilities at City West and the University of Limerick);
- production and assembly of PPE using 3D printing facilities; and
- the use of lands at Ballymullen Barracks as a COVID-19 testing facility and contact tracing hub.
In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces have also provided a broad range of supports to other Departments and Agencies Provision of this support was also coordinated by the Joint Task Force. Examples include:
- Support has been provided to the National Ambulance Service through Defence Forces ambulance and crew supports along with tele-triage supports.
- Support to the Office of Government Procurement through assistance with storage and distribution of PPE.
- Support to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through the use of lands at Sarsfields Barracks for the location of one of the National Temporary Body Storage Facilities. The Defence Forces were also on standby to provide support if required at the Dublin based National Temporary Body Storage Facility at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
Since 13 March 2020, an average of 187 Defence Forces personnel have deployed on COVID-19 related supports on a daily basis.
The Defence Forces are also represented on the High Level Task Force for Covid-19 Vaccination.
Defence Forces Data
Ceisteanna (160)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:160. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the breakdown of retirements by rank and years' service to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44115/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table details the number of retirements of members of the Permanent Defence Force by rank and average years' service, to 30 November 2020, as advised by the Military Authorities:
|
Rank |
Total |
Average years in Service |
|
Lieutenant General |
0 |
N/A |
|
Major General |
0 |
N/A |
|
Brigadier General |
2 |
43 |
|
Colonel |
3 |
41 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
6 |
34 |
|
Commandant |
8 |
17 |
|
Captain |
8 |
9 |
|
Lieutenant/2nd Lieutenant |
3 |
7 |
|
Sergeant Major |
8 |
41 |
|
Barrack Quartermaster Sergeant |
6 |
38 |
|
Company Sergeant |
24 |
32 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
11 |
34 |
|
Sergeant |
71 |
28 |
|
Corporal |
64 |
23 |
|
Private |
210 |
15 |
Defence Forces Personnel
Ceisteanna (161)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:161. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the net personnel gain for the Defence Forces to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44116/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While Covid 19 has impacted on the numbers inducted this year, inductions and training have been resumed taking public health guidelines into account.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that, as of 31st October 2020, 449 personnel were inducted into the Defence Forces while 522 personnel exited the organisation. Of the 522 discharges, 137 were accounted for by personnel who left before they completed their initial training, mainly General Service Recruits. The long run average for turnover of General Service Recruits during training is 22%.
The PSPC report on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made several recommendations with a view to addressing recruitment and retention issues and these are being progressed.
The Programme for Government provides that a Commission on the Defence Forces will be tasked with examining a range of issues including recruitment and retention.
Defence Forces Reserve
Ceisteanna (162)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:162. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel who opted to join the Reserve Defence Force upon leaving the Permanent Defence Force to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44117/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the Army Reserve (AR), the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) and the First Line Reserve (FLR). A key ongoing challenge for the RDF is to recruit and retain personnel and I am aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the current strength figures and those of the establishment.
The ability to conduct RDF inductions this year has been impacted by the Covid 19 public health pandemic. Nevertheless, 65 additional new members have been inducted thus far this year. 59 of these, including 2 former PDF personnel, were inducted into the AR and 6 into the NSR. Of the 575 PDF personnel that discharged in 2020 up to 30 Nov, 18 have been transferred to the FLR.
Supports being provided to maximise recruitment to the RDF include the use of social media and a range of outreach activities by RDF members. PDF recruit exit interviews now also contain information on applying for membership of the RDF.
I have been advised by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) that, from January 2021, a rolling recruitment model for the RDF will be put in place, which is similar to the model currently used for the PDF General Service recruitment.