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Defence Forces Retirements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2017

Tuesday, 12 December 2017

Questions (54)

Mick Wallace

Question:

54. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the fact that 335 members of the Defence Forces have left voluntarily to date in 2017; if he has satisfied himself that the pay and conditions of the Defence Forces are acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52966/17]

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Written answers

Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. However, this is not new and the Defence Forces have always had a level of turnover that far exceeds other areas of the public service.

Voluntary exit interviews of personnel of all ranks conducted by the Defence Forces indicate that the reasons for leaving range from economic factors to family circumstances, lifestyle and a desire for a change of career.

I remain committed to ensuring ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces and that, where possible, the terms and conditions of service are as favourable as they can be within the current budgetary parameters.

In order to balance personnel turnover there is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level and it is anticipated that approximately 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force during 2017. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers.

A range of recruitment methods are being employed including direct entry competitions for specialist positions and the scope to further expand direct entry is being considered.

In terms of pay, following PDFORRA’S acceptance of the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement earlier this year, adjustments have been applied to salary scales with the focus on the lower paid. In particular general service recruits and privates who joined the Defence Forces since 2013, have seen in some instances a combined increases in pay and military service allowance of more than €5,000 per year.

The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 , also provides for further pay increases ranging from 6.2% to 7.4% over the lifetime of the agreement.

The proposals in the agreement have been presented for consideration to the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations who participated in the negotiation process. They are subject to ballot by members of the Associations.

It should be noted that the remarks relating to levels of pay contained within the focus group report compiled by the University of Limerick, predate a number of measures which have been taken this year to increase the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel.

Whilst pay for the lowest paid members of the Defence Forces was highlighted as an issue, there were a broad range of HR matters raised. I am satisfied that these are being addressed.

I have announced a number of initiatives ranging from a review of the C&A Scheme, a review of the criteria governing Contracts for enlisted personnel and a comprehensive skills gap analysis across the Defence Forces. These directly address issues raised in the Climate Study. In addition the Chief of Staff is actively addressing matters relating to military management of work practices in the Defence Forces.

With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, the Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and abroad.

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