Defence Forces

Thursday, 2 October 2025

Questions (221, 222, 233)

Eoghan Kenny

Question:

221. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the plans to end Army reserve pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52651/25]

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222. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the rationale for removing the training/attendance allowance for members of the Reserve Defence Forces when undergoing training; the allowances that are now available to members of the Reserve Defence Forces; and the number of new members that have signed up in the past year, by month. [52655/25]

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Colm Burke

Question:

233. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the proposed reduction in pay of current Reserve Defence Force members for activities including marching drills and firing range practice, in particular taking into account the affect it may have on current members and recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52890/25]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221, 222 and 233 together.

One of my key priorities is the modernisation of our Defence Forces, and revitalising our Reserve Defence Forces is a vital part of that transformation process. The Regeneration and Development Plan contains concrete actions to drive forward recruitment and retention, resourcing, training and education and integration and deployment.

The conditions under which reservists are paid for certain activities are set out in Defence Force Regulations (DFRs). There is no question of reservists losing payment for their activities or cut backs to activities that attract a sanctioned payment.

In 2023, the Defence Forces issued a letter of instruction (LOI) relating to such payments. The LOI was regrettably not consistent with the regulations.

Reservists are an integral part of the Defence Forces and should be remunerated appropriately. In that regard I have directed that the Defence Forces submit a robust business case to clearly set out exactly which reserve activities should attract payment. Any proposed changes to paid activities may require sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and a regulatory amendment. While this work is ongoing, the Defence Forces are working on possible solutions for Members of the RDF.

All eligible RDF activities in 2024 were paid for, reflected in the fact that the original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was increased by 36 per cent during the year;

This additional spending reflected the higher than anticipated levels of activity and a welcome increased interest in the RDF during the year.

Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 221.