Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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660. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to strengthen the Reserve Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8538/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My Government colleagues and I recognise the important role that the Reserve Defence Force has played in contributing to Ireland’s defence capability, and in particular, to the voluntary service which has been the hallmark of the Reserve. 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.

Recruitment to both the PDF and RDF remains a priority in 2017. The last RDF General Service Recruitment Competition was launched in Sept ember 2015 and closed on the 31st December, 2016. In total, there were 5,891 (726 Females) applications for this competition. It is anticipated that the next RDF recruitment campaign will commence in July of this year. However, until then the RDF will continue to induct from the 2015/2016 panel, subject to applicants satisfying all induction criteria.

As the Deputy will be aware, a key challenge is to recruit, train and retain sufficient personnel to meet the reserve establishment provided for in the White Paper. In the context of both finite resources and personnel, it is necessary to strike an appropriate balance in terms of PDF and RDF recruitment, so as to deliver the desired effects of maintaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to undertake all roles assigned to it by Government and to advance the single force structure.