Thomas Gould
Question:63. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence his plans to improve retention and recruitment in the Defence Forces. [36586/20]
View answerTuesday, 17 November 2020
Questions (63)
Written answers
The military authorities have advised that the whole time equivalent strength of the Permanent Defence Force, at 30th September 2020, was 8,529 personnel, comprised of
- Army 6,878
- Air Corps 752
- Naval Service 899 personnel.
I am aware that there continues to be a shortfall between the overall current strength figures and those of the establishment and I am committed to restoring the strength of the Permanent Defence Force to 9,500 personnel.
The Public Service Pay Commission Report and implementation of its recommendations through the High Level Plan - Strengthening Our Defence Forces - Phase 1, is a key part of the response to address recruitment and retention challenges.
I accept that there are on-going difficulties in the Defence Forces, and these have been well-documented.
However, there are also positive developments which are restoring capacity in areas which were significantly depleted. By way of an example, overall Officer numbers are just seventeen off the full establishment figure as at 30th September 2020. Whilst I appreciate that experience levels have declined at some ranks, and that there remain gaps in certain areas, the continued attraction of Officer Cadets in what was a competitive jobs market is indicative of the continued attractiveness of such a career.
Further initiatives such as re-commissioning of former Air Corps pilots has also assisted in boosting much needed specialists and I understand that further specialist Officers will be re-commissioned. The re-enlistment of former enlisted personnel is another initiative that is to be welcomed. Whilst the numbers being inducted are lower than initially anticipated, all will play an important role in restoring capacity.
The recent introduction of a sea-going service commitment scheme for Naval Service personnel is an example of a measure aimed at retaining experienced personnel and follows the reintroduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps.
The fact is that the restoration of capacity in the Defence Forces will take time. The Programme for Government provides that a Commission on the Defence Forces will be tasked with examining a range of issues. This will provide an opportunity to chart the future direction of the Defence Forces. There is also a commitment to establish a pay review body for the Defence Forces when the Commission has completed its work.
Working closely with the Secretary General and the Chief of Staff, and a range of key stakeholders, I am confident that the current challenges facing the Defence Forces can be overcome.