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For Oral Answer on : 10/03/2022
Question Number(s): 31 Question Reference(s): 13223/22
Department: Defence
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Defence the actions he intends to take to facilitate members of the Reserve Defence Forces to serve overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
Heretofore, there was no provision in the Defence Acts to allow Reserve Defence Force (RDF) personnel to be deployed overseas. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 has now been signed into law, which serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the RDF on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas in support of the Permanent Defence Force.
The Report of the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, published on 9 February 2022, includes proposals on the role and contribution of the RDF.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations, including the future role of the Reserve Defence Force. There is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.
