Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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319. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has considered the request by the Reserve Defence Forces Representative Association, RDFRA, for additional funding to run the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7799/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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RDFRA currently receive quarterly payments of €12,697.38 (i.e. €50,789.52 per annum) and an annual telephone allowance payment of €1,906.40 from the Department of Defence. RDFRA also receives subscription payments from its members. Paid training days are also allocated in respect of the work of the RDFRA Executive, representing a further contribution by the State in support of RDFRA.

Officials in my Department are carefully considering RDFRA’s request for increased funding in the context of the request being an additional call on the exchequer. My officials are in communication with RDFRA and are seeking additional information with a view to reaching a resolution in the matter. As the Deputy will appreciate, it is important that any solution proves to be sustainable over the long term in terms of exchequer funding and member subscriptions. I will make the necessary decision subsequent to such considerations.