John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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790. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the optimum strength level of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14751/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the Army Reserve (AR), the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) and the First Line Reserve (FLR).

Defence Force Regulation CS4 determines the regulatory establishment limits for the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and the RDF. The establishment figure for the RDF as provided in this Regulation, is 4,069 personnel comprising 3,869 for the Army Reserve (AR), and 200 for the Naval Service Reserve. (NSR). There is no set establishment for the FLR.

A key ongoing challenge for the RDF is to recruit and retain personnel and the Government remains committed to improving the strength level of the RDF.

This commitment is exemplified by the rolling recruitment model for the RDF being implemented this year which is similar to the model currently used for the PDF General Service recruitment, as well as other outreach initiatives.

Paid training rates for members of the RDF have now been restored, having previously been reduced as part of cost savings measures during the economic downturn. In addition, the Government has approved proposed amendments to the Defence (amendment) Bill 2020, which will update Defence legislation relating to utilisation of the RDF.

As part of its terms of reference, the Commission on the Defence Forces will also examine the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation; the regulations governing the RDF; the development of the First Line Reserve; and the utilisation of the RDF in support of the PDF and on overseas missions. The Commission is due to report at the end of the year.

John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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791. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current strength level of the Reserve Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14752/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Reserve Defence Force (RDF) is comprised of the Army Reserve (AR), the Naval Service Reserve (NSR) and the First Line Reserve (FLR).

As at 31 January 2021, the effective strength of the AR is 1,458 personnel and the NSR is 125 personnel. The strength of the FLR at that date, is 263 personnel.

The Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, however the capacity to induct and train recruits has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The same personnel and resources are utilised for both Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and Reserve Defence Force (RDF) recruitment. Given the competing recruitment demands at present, Permanent Defence Force (PDF) recruitment is, and will remain a priority.  However, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

Taking public health guidelines into account, the Defence Forces have remained committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted and last year new members were inducted into the Army Reserve (62), and Naval Service Reserve (7).

I have been advised that the Defence Forces are introducing ongoing recruitment to the AR and NSR this year, similar to the model currently used for the PDF General Service recruitment.