Defence Forces

Thursday, 18 September 2025

Ceisteanna (42, 76)

Shay Brennan

Ceist:

42. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures he is taking regarding the further development of the Reserve Defence Force. [48993/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

76. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current strength of the Reserve Defence Force; the efforts being made by his Department to increase recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49254/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 76 together.

The military authorities have provided the details in the following table that outlines the strength of the RDF as at 31 August 2025. The military authorities also advise that a review of the strength figures is currently underway and therefore the figures below may be subject to change.

Year

Army Reserve

Naval Service Reserve

First Line Reserve

2025

(31AUG25)

1,497

125

207

The Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) Regeneration and Development Plan (RDFRDP) published in July 2024, coordinates 27 individual actions to drive forward recruitment and retention; resourcing; training and education; as well as integration and deployment - the 4 operational objectives of the plan. Each of the 27 actions contribute to the ultimate goal of developing a Reserve Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy on a voluntary basis with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and overseas.

Examples of recruitment measures that continue to 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.

The initiatives contained in the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan are generating positive change and momentum towards a regenerated, trained and capable RDF to support the Permanent Defence Forces.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 20.