Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2026
15. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence to outline the justification for the maximum limit of 100 days in a calendar year for reservists undertaking supplemental military service (SMS) in support of Permanent Defence Force or Reserve Defence Force activities; the reason the SMS limit is capped at 100 days rather than permitting service of up to 365 days in a calendar year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40527/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra16. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the way in which a reservist undertaking supplemental military service (SMS) can be deployed overseas for a period of six months, interoperating with the Permanent Defence Force, when SMS is currently limited to a maximum of 100 days in a calendar year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40528/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra17. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence the way in which reservists undertaking supplemental military service (SMS) can effectively support the Permanent Defence Force during Ireland’s EU Presidency when the maximum period of SMS service available between 1 June 2026 and 31 December 2026 is limited to 58 days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40529/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra18. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence to outline whether under the new Department of Defence guidance governing supplemental military service (SMS), a reservist must now voluntarily apply for SMS and obtain prior Ministerial approval in order to undertake Reserve Defence Force (RDF) recruitment activities, RDF administrative activities or to instruct on RDF training activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40530/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 16, 17 and 18 together.
The Defence Amendment Act 2021 provides for Voluntary Supplemental Military Service (SMS), to allow Reserve Defence Force (RDF) members to undertake activities to support the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).
The Act provides that members of the RDF may notify their availability to deploy to undertake Defence Forces tasks and, where it is determined that there is a particular deficiency in skills or expertise in the PDF or it is otherwise in the best interests of the Defence Forces, Ministerial approval may be provided for such activity.
The Act further provides that SMS activity will not exceed the prescribed number of days within a 12-month period and Defence Force Regulation R5 sets the prescribed number of days at 100. I have sought, and am awaiting, legal advice from the Attorney General on this limit. In the interim, the 100 days maximum has been applied, on a pro rata basis, for 2026 i.e. 58 days SMS can be undertaken between 1 June to 31 December 2026.
Recently, the Defence Forces distributed, to all RDF members, the Guidance Instruction on the administration requirements of SMS which included the relevant categories of RDF activity and the application forms. It is anticipated that the Defence Forces will be submitting the initial consolidated 2026 applications for Ministerial approval in the coming days.
This is a positive and transformational initiative that will codify the broad spectrum of activities that can be undertaken by the RDF and ensure that the professional skills of members of the Reserve are fully utilised.
