Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
155. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of applications to join the Defence forces that have been received since the start of 2023; how many applicants were interviewed; how many were offered employment; how many accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21538/24]
View answerThe military authorities have advised that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force, as at 31 March stood at 7,510.
The military authorities have provided the requested recruitment processes details in the table below and advise that applications made in one year may not complete the recruitment process within the same calendar year.
|
2023 |
2024* |
Total |
|
|
Applications |
9,479 |
2,165 |
11,644 |
|
Attended Interview |
1,229 |
317 |
1,546 |
|
Offered Employment |
484 |
148 |
632 |
|
Inductions |
415 |
148 |
563 |
*31 March 2024
The military authorities further advise that the reasons for high attrition rates within the recruitment process include a high percentage of applicants who submit their applications but do not engage with the process thereafter, or do not present at the various stages of the induction process. Additionally applicants can be ineligible, be unable to achieve security clearance, or fail at the various stages of the recruitment process.
