Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The current strength of the Reserve Defence Force as of end of December 2023 is as follows:

In terms of recruitment and retention measures for the RDF, a long-term regeneration plan is being prepared following the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF). This plan is being developed by the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) which was established last year on foot of recommendations in the Report from the Commission on the Defence Forces.

A recruitment competition was launched on the 3 October 2023. As of 19 Jan 2024, 853 valid applications were submitted. There are currently over 800 live applications proceeding through the system with 34 medicals completed.

Concerning the medical assessments, work has been completed on streamlining the two-stage process, and fitness testing is now completed before the medical assessments.

The Military Authorities have informed me that the induction of personnel has been facilitated through the implementation of a 'Managed Induction Process' whereby each applicant is assigned a Recruitment Liaison Officer (RLO) who maintains contact with them throughout the induction process. The aim of this close liaison is to facilitate an expeditious and efficient recruitment process from application to attestation.

I would like to assure the Deputy that it is my aim, and that of the Chief of Staff, to ensure that the regeneration of the RDF remains a key goal in 2024 and beyond.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In my statement to the Dáil on 22 November, I asked my officials in the Department of Defence to prepare legislative proposals without delay that would govern the future overseas deployments of our Defence Forces.

Work on the preparation of those legislative proposals has commenced, with a view to proposals being brought to Government in due course.

As the Deputy will be aware, the General Scheme of any Bill will be brought for pre-legislative scrutiny consideration by the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence to determine if pre-legislative scrutiny is required.

Any proposals agreed by Government will then have to be presented to, debated and approved by the Dáil and Seanad, thus providing the Oireachtas with ample opportunity to scrutinise any such proposals.

It is important that I emphasise that any legislative proposals will remain fully consistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Any modification to the Triple Lock will continue to require Government and Dáil approval for the dispatch of Defence Forces’ personnel to take part in peacekeeping and similar missions and will do nothing to change Ireland’s traditional position of military neutrality, which is characterised by Ireland's non-participation in any military alliance.