Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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44. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence 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. [40475/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve, the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR).  The Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capability.  The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF and it is currently on a development oath arising from recommendations of the White Paper. 

The strength of the Reserve Defence Force, as of 31 August 2019, is set out in the following table:

In order to facilitate the voluntary nature of reserve service and to maximise attendance of Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) personnel, training continues to be organised both in and out of normal working hours, at weekends and during academic and traditional holiday periods.

Within the budget of €2.15m allocated to the Reserve, seven days annual paid training is provided for in respect of each effective member of the AR and NSR.  The budget also provides for fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the AR and NSR in 2019 along with career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities. This provision is sufficient having regard to the existing strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training.

I am satisfied that members of the Amy Reserve and Naval Service Reserve are afforded the opportunity to avail of training and update their skills on an ongoing basis.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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46. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Reserve Defence Forces have taken on to date in 2019 with regard to all services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40477/19]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I mam advised by the military authorities that as of 31 August 2019, 88 new members have been inducted into the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), broken down as follows:

The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the RDF. There is currently a competition open to the public for both the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR). The competition will remain open to applicants until midnight on 20 October 2019.