John Brady
Ceist:915. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces for the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 14 June 2022
Ceisteanna (915)
Freagraí scríofa
The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The combined effective strength of the AR and NSR, at year end, for the past five years is set out below:
|
Year |
AR & NSR Effective Personnel (at year end) |
|
2021 |
1,489 |
|
2020 |
1,588 |
|
2019 |
1,673 |
|
2018 |
1,799 |
|
2017 |
1,856 |
The strength of the First Line Reserve, at year end, for the same period is as follows:
|
Year |
FLR Personnel (at year end) |
|
2021 |
271 |
|
2020 |
262 |
|
2019 |
272 |
|
2018 |
288 |
|
2017 |
271 |
The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the RDF. I am very cognisant of the fact that the RDF strength level remains lower than the Establishment figure. However, I am aware of the many initiatives in place to recruit individuals to the Reserve. These include supports provided to maximise RDF recruitment, including use of social media, promotion through the DF Press Office, outreach activities by RDF members, and the use of PDF exit interviews which contain information on applying to the RDF. In addition, I'm advised by the Military Authorities that a number of measures to streamline recruitment and induction process for the RDF are in train and it is hoped that they will yield a positive outcome.
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.
Heretofore, there was no provision in the Defence Acts to allow RDF personnel to be deployed overseas. However, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has 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 Permanent Defence Force.
The Deputy will be aware that the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, published last February, 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.