Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
202. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications and number of personnel who re-enlisted to date under the PDF re-enlistment scheme, for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37436/20]
View answerLast April, the former Minister with responsibility for Defence, launched a scheme to re-enlist former Permanent Defence Force (PDF) enlisted personnel. The focus of the scheme was those former PDF personnel with particular skillsets identified by the Chief of Staff where shortages exist The scheme allows for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years and the duration of the re-enlistment offered depends on the vacancies that exist.
The response to the scheme has been positive with over 700 applications received to date. I am advised by the military authorities that unfortunately, a large number of those who applied, did not meet the eligibility criteria, and in addition, a number of applications were subsequently withdrawn by the candidates themselves.
Following recommendations from the Chief of Staff, 38 personnel have been inducted to date. I understand that further recommendations from the Chief of Staff of personnel to be re-enlisted are imminent. The number of personnel, by rank, that have re-enlisted to date under the scheme for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, is broken down as follows:
|
Rank |
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
Total |
|
CQMS |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sergeant |
3 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
|
Corporal |
5 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
|
Private |
24 |
1 |
0 |
25 |
I welcome the re-enlistment of these personnel and wish them well in their renewed careers in the Defence Forces. Their important contribution to the operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces is appreciated.
