Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Minister for Defence the strength of the Army Reserve including Navy and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42476/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised by the Military authorities that the strength of the Reserve Defence Force as at 31 October, 2009 was 6,853, comprising Army 6,560, and Naval Service 293. In the context of the Government Decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment to the RDF was suspended earlier this year. Following a review and examination of RDF personnel numbers and budget, I was satisfied that there would be sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve this year. Accordingly, I approved the commencement of limited recruitment to fill vacancies which may arise due to existing Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve members resigning or being discharged during 2009, in the normal manner. This is subject to the overall strength figure that existed at 1 January 2009 (7,671) not being exceeded. Progress on recruitment is being reviewed periodically.