Written answers
Thursday, 31 January 2019
Department of Defence
Defence Forces Reserve
Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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49. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of vacancies in the Reserve Defence Forces by rank and unit at 31 December 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4726/19]
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The number of vacancies in the Reserve Defence Forces, as of 31 December 2018, is set out in the following table. The vacancies are broken down by Brigade as unit break downs could not be provided within the time set out for reply.
| Unit Vacancies | Pte | Cpl | Sgt | CQ | CS | BQ | BSM | Lt | Capt | Comdt | Lt Col |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFHQ | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 Brigade | 818 | 161 | 25 | 5 | 8 | +2 | 0 | +32 | +3 | 6 | 0 |
| 2 Brigade | 889 | 183 | 20 | +16 | +7 | +3 | +1 | +26 | 8 | 12 | 0 |
| DFTC | 36 | 30 | +5 | 0 | +2 | 0 | 1 | +6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Naval Service | 38 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | +5 | 11 | 0 | +1 |
The Government recognises the important role that the RDF play in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The White Paper on Defence (2015) is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force and it is currently on a developmental path arising from the recommendations of the White Paper.
The military authorities have informed me that they plan to run two recruitment campaigns for the Army Reserve and the Naval Service Reserve this year, one in March and a second in October. Exact opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed.
Following on from the consolidation of the RDF, the strength at some ranks exceeded establishment figures. This is a legacy issue attributable to the effects of the reorganisation. Therefore these ranks are counted supernumerary to establishment.
Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number and rank of Reserve Defence Forces officer vacancies which arose in 2017 and 2018; the number promoted to fill the vacancies by brigade to date; the date on which further interviews will be conducted in each brigade to fill vacancies in the rank of captain, commandant and lieutenant colonel; the standard procedure to anticipate vacancies arising in the PDF officer ranks which is not applied in the RDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4727/19]
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The following table shows the vacancies and promotions, in relation to officers, for 2017 and 2018.
| Rank | Lt | Capt | Comdt | Lt Col |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFHQ Promotions 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DFHQ Promotions 2018 | N/A | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| DFHQ Vacancies 2017 | +3 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
| DFHQ Vacancies 2018 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 Bde Promotions 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 Bde Promotions 2018 | N/A | 23 | 1 | 0 |
| 1 Bde Vacancies 2017 | +55 | 15 | 2 | 0 |
| 1 Bde Vacancies 2018 | +32 | +3 | 6 | 0 |
| 2 Bde Promotions 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 Bde Promotions 2018 | N/A | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 Bde Vacancies 2017 | +48 | 23 | 8 | 0 |
| 2 Bde Vacancies 2018 | +26 | 8 | 12 | 0 |
| DFTC Promotions 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DFTC Promotions 2018 | N/A | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| DFTC Vacancies 2017 | +11 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| DFTC Vacancies 2018 | +6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| NS Promotions 2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| NS Promotions 2018 | N/A | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| NS Vacancies 2017 | +10 | 15 | 0 | +1 |
| NS Vacancies 2018 | +5 | 11 | 0 | +1 |
Military management has informed me that administrative procedures are currently underway towards advertising and conducting RDF promotion competitions to Commandant and Lieutenant Colonel rank. These competitions are planned to be conducted prior to the end of Quarter 1 2019. The administration of promotions from the rank of Lieutenant to Captain are also currently underway in close coordination with Brigades/Formations. These promotions are planned to be effected prior to the end of Quarter 1 2019.
There is no difference in the procedures employed to project vacancies within the RDF and the PDF.
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