Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The White Paper on Defence confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the Permanent Defence Force in times of crisis. In non-crisis situations, the main focus is on training to prepare for that role. The Government has also assigned a formal role to the Reserve in respect of contributing to State ceremonial events. The Government appreciates the service of the members of the Reserve and the White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Forces.

As of 31 October 2017, there were 1,733 effective personnel in the Army Reserve and 123 effective personnel in the Naval Service Reserve. I am aware that there is a shortfall between those figures and those of the establishment. The most recent recruitment campaign for the Army Reserve and Naval Service began in July 2017 and attracted 1,221 applications. A total of 128 personnel have been inducted to the Reserve Defence Force in 2017, which is an increase of some 60% compared to the 80 personnel inducted in 2016. The recruitment process has been streamlined so as to make it more efficient.

Given the competing recruitment demands at present, whereby Permanent Defence Force recruitment is and should remain a priority, recruitment to the Reserve is continuing but it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both Permanent and Reserve Defence Force recruitment and the recruitment of up to 800 Permanent Defence Force personnel this year obviously impacted on resource allocation.

Two of the current phases of the White Paper actions to be implemented specifically relate to the RDF. One addresses the issue of improving the strength of the Reserve by attracting recruits from all backgrounds, while the other involves conducting a skills survey with a view to establishing a specialist Reserve. Both are well advanced. In the medium term, over the ten year lifespan of the White Paper other projects relating to the development of the Reserve will be examined and developed by the organisation.

I assure the Deputy that I remain committed to the ongoing development of the RDF within the framework set out in the White Paper on Defence and having regard to resource availability.

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