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Defence Forces Personnel

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Questions (55)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

55. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Defence the steps being taken to address the retention crisis in the Defence Forces. [36592/20]

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Written answers

The Government has acknowledged that there are retention difficulties in the Defence Forces. This is a feature of the highly competitive jobs market that has existed and the demand for personnel, particularly those with specialist skills sets. This is not confined to Ireland and also impacted other military forces internationally.

A range of factors influence an individual’s decision to stay in the Defence Forces. These include career progression opportunities, pay, personal development opportunities, work–life balance, job stimulation, work environment and external job opportunities. Accordingly a broad range of measures are being progressed to encourage members of the PDF to continue to serve in the Defence Forces.

The report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on retention and recruitment in the Permanent Defence Force, which was accepted by Government last year, contains a wide range of recommendations to address recruitment and retention difficulties. This included both non-pay and pay related measures. Whilst certain of the pay measures were introduced immediately, others will be progressed as part of the next pay agreement. I have also outlined previously additional measure that I have taken to deal with particular issues in the Naval Service.

As the Deputy will be aware, the increases under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, have also been paid to members of the Defence Forces. By the end of the current Public Service Pay agreement the pay-scales of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces), earning under €70,000 per annum, will be restored to pre FEMPI levels. The restoration of the 5% reduction to allowances cut under FEMPI is also scheduled in the agreement.

The introduction of schemes to allow for the re-commissioning of former Officers and the re-enlistment of former enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force have assisted in addressing certain skills gaps, and the return of these personnel, including pilots, is to be welcomed.

Work in also continuing on a range of non-pay projects as part of the High Level Implementation Plan arising from the PSPC Report, enhanced workforce planning; enhanced professional military education; bespoke leadership training; development of a mental health and wellbeing strategy; a review of barriers to extended participation in the PDF; the development of further non-pay retention measures; and consideration of the provision of additional specialist posts in certain areas. All of these measures will assist in making the Defence forces a better place to work, better support those that wish to stay and ultimately assist with retention.

There is no quick fix to the challenges facing the Defence Forces today. However, there have been successes in regenerating capacity. I am fully committed, as are the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff, to restoring the capacity of the Defence Forces and to implementing the full range of actions to ensure that this happens as quickly as possible.

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