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 are set out in Defence Force Regulations (DFRs). In 2023, the Defence Forces issued a letter of instruction (LOI) relating to such payments. The LOI was regrettably not consistent with the regulation.
Reservists are an integral part of the Defence Forces and should be remunerated appropriately. My predecessor requested that the Defence Forces submit a robust business case to clearly set out exactly which reserve activities should attract payment and I am advised that the business case is well underway.
While this work is ongoing, the Defence Forces are progressing possible solutions for Members of the RDF. Any proposed changes to paid activities may require sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and a regulatory amendment.
I can assure the Deputy that all eligible RDF activities 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, the budget for 2025 was increased to €3.5m. Additionally, the budget will be increased further for 2026. These increases emphasise my continuing support for the regeneration of all aspects of the RDF.
