Vol. 478 No. 4
7 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence his views on the reason there has been a decline in numbers applying to join the Defence Forces; his views on this development; the measures, if any, he intends to take to correct this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11486/97]
A total of 1,797 individuals applied for general service enlistment to the Defence Forces in response to the advertisements placed in 1996. Of these 470 applied for the Naval Service and 1,327 applied for the Army. Also in 1996 there were 605 applications for 27 Army cadetships advertised, 280 for ten Air Corps cadetships and 122 for three Naval service cadetships.The number of applications received for apprenticeships in 1996 was 834 for 18 available Army and Naval Service apprenticeships and 659 for 15 available Air Corps apprenticeships. While the number of applicants is down on previous years I am happy that there will always be a sufficient number of young people who will be attracted to a career in the Defence Forces.
The number of applicants for enlistment is always likely to reflect the prevailing economic climate and employment opportunities in the wider labour market. The recent very strong growth in the economy and the consequent increase in job opportunities has inevitably had a bearing on the likely pool of potential applicants for appointments in the Defence Forces.
Another factor which has affected the number of potential applicants for general service enlistment is the more targeted recruitment policy adopted in recent years. The upper age limit for recruits was reduced from 27 to 22 years in 1996. This followed specifically on a recommendation of the Efficiency Audit Group and its consultants who reviewed the organisation and structure of the Defence Forces. This policy is specifically geared to achieving a much needed reduction in the age profile of the Permanent Defence Force.
In the case of cadetships, the educational standards required have been raised in recent years to reflect the standards required for third level college entrants. This has had a consequential impact on the number of eligible applicants. However, in the 1997 cadetship competition applicants with certain diploma and undergraduate qualifications will be eligible to apply, and that should increase the number who will compete.
I realise a number of factors are influencing the decline of the number of people enlisting in our Defence Forces, and it is a worrying development. In announcing a plan to reorganise our Defence Forces, the Government promised we would have a properly structured and well equipped Defence Force capable of carrying out its roles in the most efficient and effective way with the capacity and flexibility to adapt to a changing environment. The reality is that numbers are falling rapidly, but there has been no reduction in the operational or administrative duties, and training commitments have increased significantly. As a result of the voluntary early retirement scheme a smaller number of people is being asked to carry out a greater number of duties but, while the number of duties has increased, the number of barracks and posts remains the same. Would the Minister agree that people are no longer prepared to embark on a career which involves so much uncertainty and that we are not demonstrating the commitment to the Defence Forces that we promised?
I would not agree for one second with the Deputy that people are not prepared to embark on a career in the Defence Forces. The fact that 1,797 individuals applied in 1996 for general service is not an indication that there is a decline in interest in the Defence Forces. The fact that there were 605 applicants for 27 Army cadetships advertised does not show lack of confidence in the Defence Forces. With the greatest respect to the Deputy, I understand politics; I sat on that side of the fence for many years. We hear regularly from the Opposition that morale is low in the Defence Forces, but we have the finest Defence Forces in the world. They are complimented every day of the week for the work they do at home and abroad. They are held in the highest esteem at UN level. The only place there seems to be a problem is on the Opposition benches whose members consistently say our Defence Forces are falling apart. We undertook restructuring of the Defence Forces following a review requested by the Deputy's party in Government. We had the guts to go ahead with the recommendations of that review and, of course, in the initial stages of any restructuring, there will be certain changes with which some people will be uncomfortable.
The Deputy conveniently ignores the fact that 400 new recruits have been taken into the Defence Forces since last December, 200 in December and 200 in January, all of whom are young, active people between the ages of 17 and 22. As a result of young, vibrant, enthusiastic people coming into the Defence Forces there has been an improvement in morale. In addition, last month we settled a manpower policy problem caused by the previous Government when it took on soldiers on five year contracts and did not tell them whether they would be kept on after that time. That matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of the representative associations and the delight of the recruits who were taken on in early 1994.
Great strides have been made in the past two years in the Defence Forces. I ask the Deputy not to send out an image from Parliament that our Defence Forces are crumbling and morale is very low. These people are proud to wear the Defence Forces' uniform and are doing a very fine job both here and abroad. Whenever there is a problem the Defence Forces are the first people to be called upon to fill the gap. We have spent time and taxpayers' money training people to the highest level so that emergencies can be covered by the Defence Forces. The people who serve Ireland in a fantastic manner in many countries abroad carry the flag and do only good for Ireland. I reject out of hand the suggestion that the Defence Forces are crumbling and morale is low.
That is the reality.
The Deputy would like to think it is.
I recently spoke to a soldier whom I asked about morale in the Army and he said it has improved. When I asked the reason for that he said it is that they know this Government will not be in office much longer. The Minister is totally out of touch. He should visit the barracks and talk to people. On 5 March 1996 the Government stated that the savings achieved through the reorganisation of the Defence Forces would be divided between the Department of Finance and the Department of Defence, on a basis to be agreed between the Ministers in those Departments. That decision was to be made within a month, but no decision has yet been made. That, more than anything else, shows the lack of commitment by the Government to reorganise the Defence Forces and is seen by most people in the Defence Forces as nothing but a cost cutting exercise.
The Deputy knows little about the Defence Forces other than what he hears from talking to soldiers. The savings to which he referred will not accrue for four years. At present we are funding, out of taxpayers' money, a considerable voluntary early retirement scheme costing £75 million.
The Government is making a mess of that too.
The Deputy is talking about savings but, as everybody in the Defence Forces is aware, they will not accrue for four years. No commitment was given that the savings would be divided and a decision made after a month.
It was.
The Deputy is criticising the Government for having the guts to carry out the restructuring programme sought by the military authorities. Because we are doing that well it is hurting the Deputy. When we have completed that programme we will have more efficient and effective Defence Forces and the people serving in them will have a greater sense of achievement on a day to day basis. That is what I am interested in, not short-term political gain, because I have much respect for the Defence Forces.
