THE RESERVE Defence Forces (RDF) is to begin limited levels of recruitment following a reversal of a decision to include the part-time force in the public sector recruitment freeze.
Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea has announced that under the new limited recruitment programme, reservists who are in training but who have not yet progressed into the RDF proper will be allowed do so if a vacancy arises due to a resignation. “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,” said Mr O’Dea.
It emerged a fortnight ago that members of the RDF in training but not yet passed out were being let go. This was in addition to a recruitment freeze on the part-time force. Mr O’Dea has now said, following a re-examination of the defence budget for 2009, he believes there are sufficient funds for RDF training for the rest of the year and for limited recruitment into the RDF proper.
He said the decision would be welcomed by those who are in training. Cutbacks have impacted on plans to send reservists with specialist skills on overseas missions with members of the Permanent Defence Forces (PDF).
The first group of reservists was due to be deployed to a peace enforcement mission in Kosovo before the end of the year. The reservists were set to become members of the PDF for the duration of their pre-deployment training and their time overseas. This was designed to overcome the need to introduce complex legislation allowing the overseas deployment of somebody who is not a full-time soldier.
However, because recruitment to the PDF has been stopped to cut costs, the reservists cannot join, even temporarily, and therefore cannot serve overseas. The situation involving the reservists not being sent overseas is unchanged by the RDF recruitment announcement by Mr O’Dea yesterday.
The RDF aids the civil power when needed. It would help defend the country in the event of armed aggression. Its members can be asked to assist the PDF in a range of escorting duties.
