Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
12. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the status of the recent re-enlistment campaign for the Defence Forces; if it remains open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9517/20]
View answerOn 1 April last, I announced a scheme to re-enlist former enlisted personnel who have the skills and expertise required to fill identified gaps in the Permanent Defence Force. The terms and conditions, for this scheme are available on the Defence Forces website, military.ie.
The scheme will allow for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years. The duration of the re-enlistment offered will be dependent on the vacancies that exist. I can confirm that this scheme currently remains open for application.
The re-enlistment of former personnel with the relevant skills and experience was one of the many actions being pursued to address the skill shortages in the PDF. It is a medium to long term initiative which pre-dates the COVID crisis, but which also facilitates the COVID response.
Under the terms and conditions, individuals who wish to re-enlist will serve for a specific period and for a specific purpose which will involve the use of a particular skill or area of expertise which cannot currently be met through the use of existing military resources. In addition, those who re-enlist will do so at the rank and salary point on which they left and will be required to meet a range of general eligibility criteria, including medical and physical fitness to ensure they are capable of performing normal military duties.
Since the announcement of the Scheme, I am delighted to report that over 600 applications have been received, with some 500 having gone forward for further assessment by the Chief of Staff. The military authorities are assessing the applications and interviews are underway. I understand that the Chief of Staff will shortly be submitting for my approval, initial recommendations on those who should be re-enlisted.
