Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
173. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to clarify whether personnel leaving the Permanent Defence Force are able to join the Reserve Defence Force while retaining the rank they previously held in the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11338/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to restoring the strength of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) and last year saw positive growth in terms of the number of personnel completing a growing number of training days with the result that there has been an increase in the budget for the RDF this year.
The existing regulatory framework provides for former members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) to join the Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve. Subject to their meeting certain criteria, Defence Force Regulation R5 provides that former enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force may be enlisted at the non-commissioned rank last held by them, if a vacancy exists in the Establishment for that rank. If a vacancy does not exist, they may enlist in a lower rank where there is a vacancy.
