Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2025
226. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the additional funding which has been allocated, or is planned to be allocated, in budget 2026 or via other mechanisms to ensure reservists are paid in a timely manner even during periods of unexpected recruitment growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52677/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Vote was provided with a funding allocation of €1,021 million in Budget 2025. This represents an €88 million (9.4%) increase on the corresponding 2024 allocation and saw the Defence Vote exceed the €1 billion mark for the first time.
This significant level of funding is facilitating further progress and implementation of a range of recommendations and priorities as identified in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF), the Independent Review Group (IRG) on Dignity & Equality Issues in the Defence Forces and the Defence Policy Review.
The 2025 Vote 36 (Defence) allocation included an allocation of €3.5 million for Subhead A.5 (Reserve Defence Force (RDF): Pay, etc.). This represented an increase of €1.15 million (49%) on the corresponding allocation in 2024. This level of funding provides for paid training and miscellaneous allowances for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve. It also provides for the payment of gratuities to members of the First Line Reserve. The increased expenditure in 2025 provides support for implementation of the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan.
In advance of next week’s Budget, discussions are currently ongoing with regard to the 2026 Defence Vote Group Estimate, with any definitive decisions relating to RDF funding due to be finalised as part of Revised Estimates Volume (REV) processes later this year.
My officials and the Defence Forces Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) continue to monitor the budget and encourage increased levels of RDF activity, in support of the Permanent Defence Force.
