Tyrrellspass historian outlines RDF’s needs to Oireachtas committee

Ireland’s Reserve Defence Force (RDF) has just 1,513 members at present – less than 40 per cent of where it should be and at the lowest point in its history, Tyrrellspass historian Neil Richardson has revealed.

At the same time, there are just 8,570 members in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) when there are meant to be 9,500.

Mr Richardson, who is general secretary of the Reserve Defence Force Representative Association (RDFRA), made the claims as he addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence on issues facing the Reserve Defence Force and its members.

Calling to have RDF properly funded and returned to full strength, Mr Richardson said it needs to be given meaningful purpose “across the full range of operational activities” and placed centre stage alongside the Permanent Defence Force.

“This will necessitate investment and enhanced training and service opportunities for reservists to get the force to a point where it can deliver on such a role,” he said.

Mr Richardson said that due to the current low strength figure, the PDF is experiencing difficulties in filling overseas missions without resorting to the mandatory detailing of personnel.

“I stress that reservists do not want to take one cent or one career-progressing opportunity away from any member of the PDF, but if our regular counterparts need supporting, we should be capable of providing that support,” he said.

He said reservists need to be defined as part-time workers rather than volunteers and at the same time, supports need to be put in place for employers to help during reservist employees’ temporary absences.

“The future Reserve needs to expand, not contract, and be resourced properly to recruit up to full strength,” he continued, adding that a modest investment in the Reserve, along with the operational utilisation of members, the introduction of employment protection and employer supports and a geographical expansion of the force would create a well-trained, utilisable and cost effective force that can support the PDF as needed.

Mr Richardson said the contraction of the Reserve disincentivises people from joining or staying involved, especially if there is no RDF centre nearby and they have to get to an alternative centre.

“Quite a lot of reservists over recent years have simply weighed up whether it is economically feasible for them to remain serving and decided it is not. That is where some of the loss of members has come from,” he said.

Reacting to the points, Deputy Charles Flanagan said the assessment was “stark” and he looked forward to the report of the commission on the future of the Defence Forces, expected this year.

Deputy Barry Cowen said from his area accessibility to Athlone and Mullingar had been always been considered sufficient, but it was incumbent on the members of the committee to reflect the points raised.

Deputy Sorca Clarke said the level of funding to the RDF does not provide hope for its future.