The Minister for Defence, Mr Willie O’Dea, T.D. has announced that the Reserve Defence Forces (Na hÓglaigh Cúltaca) may resume a limited and monitored recruitment to replace existing members of the Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve who resign or leave during the course of 2009. Recruitment to the Reserve had been suspended in the context of the reduced funding available and the moratorium on public service numbers”.
Minister Willie O’Dea said: “Since the announcement of a suspension of Reserve Defence Force (RDF) recruitment, I have, along with my officials, been working to ensure that we consolidate the gains made over recent years in developing the RDF. It is important that we continue to provide appropriate opportunities for paid training to all members of the Reserve, to the greatest extent possible within current budgetary provisions.
“Following a review and examination of RDF numbers and budgets for 2009, I am satisfied that there is sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Reserve this year. Accordingly, I am today announcing that recruitment to fill vacancies due to existing Reserve members resigning, or being discharged in the normal manner, may proceed with immediate effect.”
“This announcement should come as welcome news to many of those who have already applied to join the RDF and were awaiting attestation. Many of them will be inducted gradually into the RDF as vacancies arise in the various Brigades over the coming weeks and months.”
“I want to pay tribute to all the members of the Reserve who give freely of their time to serve their country. Their commitment and dedication is appreciated.”
“The numbers recruited will depend on the numbers leaving. This limited recruitment will be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the RDF and the future budgetary provision.”
Editors notes:
· The Strength of RDF at 31 March 2009 was 7,513
· RDF Budget for 2009 is €8.9m
The RDF review implementation plan provides for the phased enhancement of the Reserve over the period 2004 – 2009. Significant progress has been made in implementing the plan. The Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the Permanent Defence Force, there has been increased investment in the Reserve with new equipment and clothing and opportunities for improved training. |  | |
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