Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2017
552. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason his Department has failed to conduct a review of unit manning levels to include examination of unit personnel capacity of duty rosters in view of the fact that he has been continually informed by representative associations of the indisputable inadequate and dangerous manning levels that are compromising the safety and well-being of personnel. [51241/17]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence sets out that the establishment of the Permanent Defence Force will be maintained at 9,500 personnel. As at end October 2017 the strength is 9,219 personnel, which is 97% of the establishment. A range of measures are in train to reach the intended strength level and there is sufficient funding in the Defence Vote for a full strength PDF.
I am aware that the Representative Associations have recently raised concerns regarding Unit manning levels. The Chief of Staff has assured me that within the Defence Forces there is appropriate governance and oversight to assess, to mitigate and ensure that in every action that is undertaken the health and safety of all personnel is paramount. The health and welfare of the men and women of the Defence Forces are a priority for me and I will continue to seek updates on this important matter.
As part of the implementation of the White Paper a range of projects are under way which are examining capability requirements across the Defence Forces. I have directed that a project to examine skills gaps is brought forward and this will commence as part of the next tranche of White Paper projects.
