Vol. 530 No. 4
31 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the proposals he has to specifically target non-nationals for recruitment to the Defence Forces, especially having regard to the increasing multi-cultural nature of Irish society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4020/01]
While Defence Forces regulations have always allowed for the recruitment of non-nationals, arising from the recent debate, I have asked that these regulations be examined and up-dated. At present the military authorities have the authority to approve applicants for enlistment who are not Irish nationals. Each application in taken on its merits and examined on an individual basis before a decision is made. I understand that a small number of non-nationals are currently serving in the Defence Forces.
At the annual delegate conference of PDFORRA in October 2000 the question of targeting recruitment of non-nationals was discussed. The general secretary addressing the conference called on the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue, to initiate immediate discussions with all interested parties with a view to inviting and attracting non-nationals to join the Defence Forces in return for an accelerated entitlement to citizenship. He also indicated that he wished the issues raised to be considered with a view to presenting details of any scheme to next year's conference for approval.
In the years ahead our society must become far more open and inclusive. Many existing rules, attitudes and assumptions will have to be challenged as part of this process including the criteria for enlistment in the Defence Forces. I have approached the review with an open mind concerned only to ensure that whatever rules that need to be applied will reflect the realities of the 21st century. However, I caution that the existing rigorous selection procedure and security clearance requirements for enlistment in the Defence Forces will always be applied.
The question of entitlement to citizenship is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue. Officials from my Department are working with the military authorities and with officials from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to review the current residency criteria in relation to enlistment.
I agree with most of the sentiments expressed by the Minister.
There is a shortfall in the Department of Defence, the Naval Service and the Air Corps, vis-à-vis the trades and professional personnel. Many people who have got work permits in my constituency are undertaking work much of which is below the level at which they are qualified to work. In instances where non-nationals enter the country, I ask that the Department of Defence would look upon these people as a priority to ensure that the vacancies for professional people in the Air Corps, the Naval Service and Department of Defence are filled.
My understanding of these people coming to work here is that they have been tremendous workers and have fit very well into the community.
I compliment Deputy Wall and his colleagues in Kildare. We dedicated McGee Barracks for the time being to Kosovar refugees. There has been significant development there in terms of how the local community and all have worked together.
At present we have four applications for positions in the Defence Forces. Surprisingly enough, they are not from people from Kosovo. There are two from people from Nigeria and two from Romania. We need to begin to change attitudes in society as a whole. We can look forward to significant changes in that area. In processing these applications we will be as open, generous and fair to those applicants as we will be to any that come to us.
I do not have any hesitation in encouraging other non-nationals to participate with us in whatever evolves. I assure the Deputy that I will keep in touch with my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue, on developments in that regard.
Would the Minister agree he may have to intensify recruitment to encourage people from abroad? His recruitment target last year was 750 and he recruited 625. More than 3,000 people applied and 77% were unsuccessful for a host of reasons. The success factor in the Air Corps was about 8%, in the Naval Service 13% and in the Army 30%.
As the Minister is aware, in 1994 there were 10,000 applicants for 500 positions. The Celtic Tiger and the availability of other opportunities are responsible for the current scenario. It may be necessary for the Minister and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, to intensify their efforts and promote the involvement of non-nationals in the Defence Forces, providing they have the necessary security clearance and so on.
I understand the Deputy. The recruitment failure rate has to do with people who opted for different choices. To get 650 recruits, with the sheer competition involved last year, was quite an achievement. I accept the Deputy's premise and have had discussions with the Chief of Staff recently about our recruitment programme this year aimed at 1,000 people.
Though I am loath to use the term "new devices", but we must step up the tempo on many fronts to maintain numbers to ensure we can maintain our complement in the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the Army generally. In that context I undertake to examine to what extent we can accelerate this programme in terms of the recruitment of non-nationals.
When does the Minister envisage this review will be complete and does he envisage that any legislation will be required, or can the change be effected by ministerial order? Have any non-nationals been commissioned in the past 12 months?
Legislation is not required. We have already recruited non-nationals to the Defence Forces in recent years. I am not sure of the number but it is probably around nine or 10.
Questions Nos. 32, 58, 63 and 78 will be taken together as at least three are Oral Questions. Not more than 18 minutes is allowed for this question.
