Written answers
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
Department of Defence
Defence Forces Reserve Strength
Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1342. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the most up-to-date figures for the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13808/17]
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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As of 28 February 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force was 1,970, of which 273 are female personnel. Of the 1,970 personnel, 1,856 (251 females) are Army Reservists and 114 (22 females) are Naval Service Reservists.The following table sets out the effective strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of 28 February 2017 broken down by rank and gender of both Army and Naval Service Reservists.
| RANK | ARMY RESERVISTS (overall numbers) | (Female Army Res. personnel) | NAVAL SERVICE RESERVISTS (overall numbers) | (Female NS Res. Personnel) | TOTAL RDF | Total Female RDF Personnel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lt.Colonel | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Comdt | 54 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 58 | 2 |
| Captain | 45 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 50 | 1 |
| Lieutenant | 191 | 30 | 7 | 1 | 198 | 31 |
| Sgt. Major | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| BQMS | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| CS | 4 7 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 5 5 | 0 |
| CQMS | 60 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 3 |
| Sergeant | 2 5 9 | 19 | 9 | 1 | 268 | 20 |
| Corporal | 362 | 68 | 22 | 6 | 384 | 74 |
| Privates | 828 | 128 | 58 | 14 | 886 | 142 |
| 1856 | 251 | 114 | 22 | 1970 | 273 |
For the sake of completeness, the table below sets out the current strength figures of the First Line Reserve, as of 28 February 2017, broken down by rank.
| FORMATION | OFFICER | NCO | PTE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARMY | 25 | 10 | 110 | 145 |
| AIR CORPS | 6 | 4 | 19 | 29 |
| NAVAL SERVICE | 22 | 5 | 54 | 81 |
| TOTAL | 53 | 19 | 183 | 255 |
The White Paper on Defence (2015) sets out an overall establishment figure of 4,169 for the RDF. Recruitment campaigns are conducted on an annual ongoing basis. The White Paper confirms that the primary role of the Reserve is to augment the PDF in times of crisis and to participate in ceremonial events. The implementation of measures set out in the 2015 White Paper will provide opportunities for certain members of the RDF to undertake new duties. The intention is that this and other White Paper initiatives will be a motivating factor in encouraging more people to join the Reserve.
I believe that the Reserve Defence Force is an important asset to the State. I value the contribution of all of its members who volunteer their time and service so willingly and I am fully committed to its ongoing and future development.
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