Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chathaoirleach as ucht an ábhar seo a phiocadh amach. Tá sé iontach tábhachtach. Tá fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Browne. Is deas é a bheith linn agus ar ndóigh, cuirfidh sé an méid seo in iúl don Tánaiste.

I thank the Minister of State for being here.I rise to address an issue facing our Reserve Defence Force, namely, recruitment and retention. As it stands, our Reserve Defence Force, RDF, faces significant challenges in both attracting new recruits and retaining existing members. With only 1,322 personnel in the Army Reserve, 89 in the Naval Service and 282 in First Line Reserve, it is clear we need urgent action to bolster our Reserve.

One of the biggest barriers to RDF recruitment is the time-consuming and cumbersome process that prospective recruits must go through. Recruits regularly face extensively long waits for medical and security clearances, discouraging many from considering a career in the Reserve or causing them to lose interest. Furthermore, the absence of recognition for RDF qualifications under QQI creates a hurdle for anyone wishing to enhance their skills and certification within the RDF. This is perhaps the most important point that I have made so far and I appeal to the Minister of State to have that looked at.

Regarding retention, current RDF members complain about the lack of training sessions and interesting activities, which leaves them feeling detached and under-appreciated. They are not active enough and there is not enough going on, in simple terms. Furthermore, the lack of real rewards exacerbates the difficulty of retaining skilled members of the Reserve. These concerns not only reduce morale within the RDF but also degrade the overall efficiency of our Reserve Defence Force.

Turning to answers, we must investigate innovative approaches to streamlining RDF recruitment processes and make them more appealing to potential recruits. This might include working with the private health sector - something is being done but more needs to be done - to conduct the medical exams to not have waiting lists; reducing waiting periods for getting in; and making it easier to enter the Reserve all the time. As I said, significant average wait times for medicals have been reported. I also advocate that we liaise more with employers to ensure that there is leave and a sensitivity and flexibility in the work programme to allow people to take part in this important patriotic work. The latest rise in age to 39 is a good start but I do not see why it could not be increased more, at least for a Reserve member.

We must also prioritise the creation of effective retention strategies within the RDF. This could include providing more opportunities for ongoing training sessions and fostering a sense of community through engaging activities and events. By investing in our RDF members' well-being and professional development, we can foster a greater sense of loyalty and commitment among our Reserve members and make membership more appealing to young people.

Further, we should look at targeted campaigns within schools and communities to raise awareness of the opportunities and benefits, and make sure the benefits are there by creating more pathways for direct progression into the Defence Forces, emphasising the rewarding nature of Reserve service and trying to link into the apprenticeship programmes. We can inspire a new generation to join our ranks. It was very popular in my youth. Additionally, enhancing the recognition of RDF career courses under the QQI framework – this is important – would incentivise professional development and bolster retention.

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence. To finish, this is important patriotic work and important civic activity. It is also hugely important for the individual. The personal development of the young fellow or girl who joins the Reserve Defence Force goes way up.