Niamh Smyth
Ceist:87. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how it is proposed to strengthen the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 July 2024
Ceisteanna (87)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government remains committed to bolstering the numbers in the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). One such measure in support of this commitment has been the increase in upper recruitment and mandatory retirement ages for the RDF to match comparable increases for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF), which were brought into effect in March of this year.
The structure and strength of the RDF is a key focus of the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established in line with a recommendation from the Commission on the Defence Forces Report (CoDF). The immediate focus of this Office has been on the development of a Regeneration Plan, in addition to focusing on general recruitment into the RDF.
Since the launch of the most recent RDF recruitment campaign last October, which remains open, there are currently 771 live RDF applications proceeding through the system, with over 505 interviews concluded; 473 fitness tests and 314 part 1 medicals completed; 239 follow-on part 2 medicals completed; and 149 applicants already attested this year. This already far exceeds the total number of 66 inductions for 2023 as a whole and points to the positive gains being made following the establishment of the (ORA).
I am advised that a broad spectrum of initiatives are currently under development, to enable the RDF to develop and deliver enhanced military capabilities where and when required in support of the PDF.
These initiatives, will be outlined in the Reserve Defence Force Regeneration and Development Plan which is currently being finalised by the ORA and is due to be submitted to me in the near future.
I am advised that this plan, which addresses one of the recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces, will contain a number of actions concerning the recruitment, resourcing and bolstering of the RDF, as well as a number of other recommendations set out in that Report, pertaining to the RDF.
I am pleased to note also that there continues also to be very constructive and collaborative engagement with my officials and the military authorities on these matters, which is further complemented by informal bi-monthly discussions with RDFRA, the Association representing the Reserve.
The ultimate goal for me as Minister for Defence, is the development of a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis, with the Permanent Defence Force, both on-island and overseas.
Question No. 88 answered orally.