Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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460. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the average notice period given to applicants to the Reserve Defence Force for induction testing in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [52568/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by the Military Authorities that the average notice period given to applicants to the Reserve Defence Force for the various stages of the recruitment process for each of the years specified is as detailed in the following table:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very significant impact on Defence Forces recruitment, including to the Reserve, and has resulted in a pause to most collective training activities and induction processing. Nevertheless, 29 additional new members have been inducted thus far this year, with 17 inducted into the AR and 12 inducted into the NSR.

The Military Authorities have advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID-19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions. This revised framework, I understand, facilitates the commencement of the RDF Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.

While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

Additionally, I understand that measures are currently under consideration by the military authorities with a view to streamlining elements of the induction process. The outcome of a pilot initiative in this regard, is awaited and will further inform next steps.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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461. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the ban due to Covid-19 concerns on the general use of Defence Forces accommodation facilities by the Reserve Defence Force will be removed. [52569/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The use of Defence Forces accommodation during the pandemic is considered under the Defence Forces Living with Covid-19 Plan, which is now in place and is reviewed by the Joint Operational Planning Group on a regular basis. This will afford more scope for Reserve Training within the parameters of government guidelines.

Proposals have been submitted relating to the use of Defence Forces accommodation by the Reserve Defence Forces and pilot projects have been approved, such as an Army Reserve Potential Officers Course. The Living with Covid-19 Plan will further facilitate the commencement of the Reserve Defence Force Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the RDF and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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462. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52570/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve Defence Force (RDF).

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a very significant impact on Defence Forces recruitment, including to the Reserve, and has resulted in a pause to most collective training activities and induction processing. Nevertheless, 29 additional new members have been inducted thus far this year, with 17 inducted into the AR and 12 inducted into the NSR.

The Military Authorities have advised that a revised Defence Forces framework for living with COVID-19 is now in place, based on the recent easing of Government restrictions. This revised framework, I understand, facilitates the commencement of the RDF Induction Process with planned induction training to commence shortly. This of course, will be subject to continued guidance from Government on easing of restrictions.

While the Government remains committed to restoring the strength of the RDF, given the competing recruitment demands at present, where PDF recruitment is and should remain a priority, it should be noted that the same personnel and resources are utilised for both PDF and RDF recruitment. Nonetheless, RDF recruitment will also be progressed to the greatest extent possible.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government appreciates the service of the Reserve Defence Force and recognises its important contribution to Ireland's defence capability.