Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 October 2025
228. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has considered adjusting the categorisation or employment status of reservists, including PRSI or other employment rights, to recognise the levels of service reservists provide, which appear to exceed the statutory or budgeted number of days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52679/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence has no role in the individual PRSI class of Members of the Defence Forces. The Department of Social Protection makes decisions with respect to the appropriate class of social insurance that applies in the case of a worker. Each case is determined on its own facts subject to the relevant legislative code. In the case of social insurance that is the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended).
Reserve Defence Force (RDF) members are engaged on a voluntary basis in support of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF).
The Reserve Defence Force Regeneration and Development Plan recommended that employment protection legislation should be considered and discussed with employer representative bodies and Trade Unions to protect reservists and ensure their availability when needed. A review of employment protection measures has commenced, with the addition of external expertise. When the review is complete, recommendations will be brought forward on the types of employment protection legislation/ supports that should be implemented.
