Barry Cowen
Ceist:42. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Defence his views on the comments made by the Commission on Defence on the Reserve Defence Forces. [13224/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 March 2022
Ceisteanna (42)
Freagraí scríofa
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, including the future role of the Reserve Defence Force.
There is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. It would be inappropriate therefore, for me to pre-empt this deliberative process in advance of the Government's consideration.
I wish to reiterate again however, that the Government remains committed to the RDF. Indeed, the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
As the Deputy will be aware, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the PDF.