Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
304. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of current members of the Reserve Defence Force; the measures she has put in place to attract new members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73352/25]
View answer305. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the recruitment programme for the Reserve Defence Force for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73614/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.
The military authorities have advised that, as at 30th November 2025, the strength of the First Line Reserve was 206 personnel and the strength of the Second Line Reserve, was 1,618 personnel. 117 individuals have been inducted as of 5th December, with a further 278 individuals currently undertaking pre-induction training.
One of my key goals as Minister for Defence, is the ongoing modernisation of our Defence Forces and a vital part of this transformation process is the revitalising of the Reserve Forces, as identified and recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces.
In that context, the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) Regeneration and Development Plan coordinates 27 individual actions that continue to drive forward recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; as well as integration and deployment.
Examples of recruitment measures that maintain momentum in support this objective include the increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages; implementation of a ‘managed Induction Process’ and the on boarding process which enables candidates to undergo pre-attestation recruit training.
Additionally, a significant RDF awareness campaign is currently at an advanced stage of development and is designed to raise the public’s awareness of the opportunities available in, and enhance recruitment into, the RDF. This campaign, expected to launch in Q1 2026, will see a comprehensive advertising campaign coordinated across all media, including television and radio adverts.
There is body of work underway by the Defence Forces in relation to workforce planning, which will dovetail with recruitment planning in 2026.
The initiatives contained in the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan are generating positive change and increased momentum towards a regenerated, trained and capable RDF to support the Permanent Defence Forces and the work in 2026 will build on that success.
