Written answers

Thursday, 5 December 2019

Department of Defence

Defence Forces Reserve Strength

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of each of the three services of the Reserve Defence Forces as of 30 November 2019 by rank; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50851/19]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the First Line Reserve (FLR), the Army Reserve (AR) and the Naval Service Reserve (NSR).

The most up to date figures available for the effective strength of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR), as of 31 October 2019, are set out in the following link:

">Army Reserve Nos.

End of month returns are usually available by the middle of the following month and hence November returns are still being compiled by the military authorities.

The Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its importance in contributing to Ireland's defence capability.

Photo of Jack ChambersJack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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49. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Reserve Defence Forces have taken on in 2019 as of 30 November 2019 with regard to the three services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50853/19]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that, as of 30 November 2019, 114 new members have been inducted into the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve during 2019, broken down as follows:

Total number inducted Number of females inducted
Army Reserve (AR) 97 8
Naval Service Reserve (NSR) 17 2

The Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the AR and NSR. A recent competition for recruitment to both the AR and NSR closed in October 2019 and it is anticipated that further recruitment will arise from this.

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