Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her comments. I have had conversations with her via parliamentary questions and in person about it. The Department and I have great respect for members of the RDF. Next week, I will have a bilateral meeting with the Chief of Staff and the Secretary General about a number of issues, including the RDF. One of the most serious problems with recruitment to the RDF is that not as many people are volunteering their time to any organisation. The Defence Forces and the Department must encourage them, give them an opportunity and show them what they can get out of being a member of the RDF.

Encouraging people in is a problem. Numbers have been falling over recent years. Other organisations face similar issues with getting people in. As of 31 May, the Reserve Defence Forces had 2,011 Army personnel and 123 Naval Service personnel. There were 5,200 RDF members in 2011, 4,700 in 2012, 3,600 in 2013, 2,300 in 2014 and 2,280 in 2015. I understand the Deputy's concerns and I want to actively get involved in the issue and help increase the numbers in the RDF. If the Deputy, or any committee member, has any ideas on how to get volunteers involved in the RDF, I am open to all suggestions.