Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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197. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans and the timeline to allow former members of the Army and Naval Service reserves to re-enlist in the Reserve subject to the same re-enlistment criteria as the Permanent Defence Forces. [37431/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capability.  The 2015 White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF.  

The Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020, made provisions for the enlistment of formerly enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and was not related to the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), or the calling out of the RDF on a mandatory basis under permanent service. While the Act does provide for these measures, I can confirm that there are no plans for such a general call out of the RDF in this instance. 

The re-enlistment scheme announced on 1 April 2020 is focused on the re-enlistment of former personnel who previously served in the PDF and who have the skills and expertise required to fill identified gaps in the PDF.

There is not a separate scheme for the re-enlistment of former RDF personnel into the RDF nor are there plans at this time for such a scheme, however I understand that former RDF members, once within the upper age limit of 35 years. as set down in regulations. and subject to other eligibility criteria, may currently apply to re-join the RDF.  

The Programme for Government 2020 contains a commitment to establish an Independent Commission on the Defence Forces. The work of the Commission will also encompass the role and contribution of the RDF. Consultation on the terms of reference of the Commission has commenced and the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association, along with the other Representative Associations have been invited to submit their views.