Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:14. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force in each of the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23507/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 12 May 2022
Ceisteanna (14)
Freagraí scríofa
I wish to reiterate that the Government remains absolutely committed to the advancement of the RDF. The White Paper on Defence is quite clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve and that requirement will be addressed.
The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and confirms that its primary role is to augment the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in crisis situations.
The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 March 2022, is set out below:
|
Service |
Total Effective Personnel |
|
Army Reserve |
1380 |
|
Naval Reserve |
114 |
|
First Line Reserve |
271 |
While the commitment to restoring the strength of the RDF is not in doubt, the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, PDF recruitment is, and will remain a priority. However, RDF recruitment will continue to be progressed to the greatest extent possible.
I should add that the ability to conduct RDF inductions during 2021 was however severely impacted by the COVID-19 public health pandemic. Nevertheless, 41 additional new members were inducted during 2021. In addition, a RDF recruitment drive was launched earlier this year and there have been 23 inductions to date in 2022.
The Deputy will be aware that the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, published last January, contains many detailed recommendations, including on the future structure and role of the RDF.
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.