Written answers

Tuesday, 2 October 2018

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Reserve

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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138. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of reservist recruits that have been assigned to combat support and combat service support units within the Defence Forces, that is units other than infantry corps units in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39988/18]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Military Authorities advise that, from July 2013 to date, 138 reservist recruits have been assigned to Combat Support (Army CS) functions and 9 have been assigned to Combat Service Support functions (Army CSS).

The post-2012 revised organisational structure co-locates Reserve Combat Support and Reserve Combat Service Support elements alongside their Permanent Defence Force (PDF) counterparts in PDF installations. This approach has ensured optimum access to equipment and expertise and facilitates appropriate training. Reserve Infantry Units are located both within PDF installations and also at sixteen other locations throughout the State. Intending members of the Reserve are welcome to apply and serve at the location best suited to their particular needs.

With the support of the Chief of Staff I remain committed to the ongoing development of the RDF within the framework set out in the White Paper in order to achieve a sustainable and fit for purpose Reserve Defence Force.

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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139. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason members of the Defence Forces Reserve are not represented by an organisation (details supplied) in keeping with the single force concept; and if changes to Defence Forces regulations and amendments to the Defence (Amendment) Act 2015 are being considered in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39989/18]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Members of the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve are not employed or engaged under a contract of employment. A contract of employment stipulates the hours of work, hours of attendance or other related matters normally associated with the concept of gainful employment. Furthermore, service with the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve is not pensionable under the Army Pension Schemes. Therefore, the issue of representation by the employee groups referred to by the Deputy does not arise for reservists.

However, under the terms of Defence Forces Regulations S7, there stands established an association known as the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA) for the purpose of representing members of the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve in relation to matters such as remuneration, conditions of service and career development.

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