Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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179. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if pay for reservists will be re-instated; the rationale for the withdrawal of payments that has taken place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65193/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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One of my key priorities is the modernisation of our Defence Forces, and revitalising our Reserve Defence Forces is a vital part of that transformation process. The Regeneration and Development Plan contains concrete actions to drive forward recruitment and retention, resourcing, training and education and integration and deployment.

The conditions under which reservists are paid are set out in Defence Force Regulations (DFRs). In 2023, the Defence Forces issued a letter of instruction (LOI) relating to such payments. The LOI was regrettably not consistent with the regulation.

Reservists are an integral part of the Defence Forces and should be remunerated appropriately. My predecessor requested that the Defence Forces submit a robust business case to clearly set out exactly which reserve activities should attract payment and I am advised that the business case is well underway.

While this work is ongoing, the Defence Forces are progressing possible solutions for Members of the RDF. Any proposed changes to paid activities may require sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and a regulatory amendment.

All eligible RDF activities in 2024 were paid for, reflected in the fact that the original 2024 budget allocation for the RDF was increased by 36 per cent during the year.

This additional spending reflected the higher than anticipated levels of activity and a welcome increased interest in the RDF during the year.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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180. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 18 February 2025, for an update on any progress by military authorities in their consideration of the report and recommendations of the Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group on colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces; when she will publish this report; and when the recommendations will be implemented. [65994/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, a Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group, established to review the colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces, has concluded its work. The Defence Forces advise that the report currently remains with the military authorities for further consideration in respect of the regulatory impacts, across a range of Defence Forces regulations, should the recommendations of the study group on Defence Forces Standards of Colour deficiency be adopted.

More specifically, and further to the response given by my predecessor to the question referenced by the Deputy, the Defence Forces advise that their Medical Branch is currently engaged in reviewing the recommendations contained in the report with regard to the range of secondary tests that are now available. As part of that process, they are liaising with specialists from the National Optometry Centre.

All criteria required for entry to the Defence Forces are subject to ongoing review by the Defence Forces.