Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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202. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of applications and number of personnel who re-enlisted to date under the PDF re-enlistment scheme, for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37436/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Last April, the former Minister with responsibility for Defence, launched a scheme to re-enlist former Permanent Defence Force (PDF) enlisted personnel. The focus of the scheme was those former PDF personnel with particular skillsets identified by the Chief of Staff where shortages exist  The scheme allows for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years and the duration of the re-enlistment offered depends on the vacancies that exist.

The response to the scheme has been positive with over 700 applications received to date. I am advised by the military authorities that unfortunately, a large number of those who applied,  did not meet the eligibility criteria, and in addition, a number of applications were subsequently withdrawn by the candidates themselves.  

Following recommendations from the Chief of Staff, 38 personnel have been inducted to date. I understand that further recommendations from the Chief of Staff of personnel to be re-enlisted are imminent. The number of personnel, by rank, that have re-enlisted to date under the scheme for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, is broken down as follows:

I welcome the re-enlistment of these personnel and wish them well in their renewed careers in the Defence Forces. Their important contribution to the operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces is appreciated.  

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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203. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason recruitment and training has continued for the PDF but not the RDF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37437/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the military authorities that a recruitment campaign for the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) was opened in spring of this year. However, the restrictions imposed in the interests of public health as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic have had a significant impact on certain Defence Forces activities, leading to difficulties in conducting inductions and training, including for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). This has impacted on the intake of Reserve recruits in the latter half of the year. Nevertheless, 65 additional new RDF members have been inducted to date this year, with 59 inducted into the AR and 6 inducted into the NSR.

Given the competing recruitment demands at present, Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruitment is, and will remain a priority.  While the Government remains committed to on-going recruitment in the AR and NSR, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision was made by the military authorities to reduce the amount of RDF training activities in order to comply with public health guidelines.   While training has been limited, as the Defence Forces continue to contribute to the Government’s response to the current COVID 19 response, some members of the Reserve who have skills which are required in that response, have been engaged in authorised COVID 19 training activities in support of the PDF, on a voluntary basis, and where their personal circumstances allow. Their contribution at this time is greatly appreciated.