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Naval Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021

Thursday, 13 May 2021

Questions (286, 287, 288)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if a plan is in place to ensure the retention of personnel throughout the Naval Service; the degree to which the service has suffered in this regard in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25467/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if a plan is in place to ensure the retention of personnel throughout the Air Corps; the degree to which the service has suffered in this regard in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25468/21]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if a plan is in place to ensure the retention of personnel throughout the Army; the degree to which the service has suffered in this regard in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25469/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 286, 287 and 288 together.

The Government has fully acknowledged the recruitment and retention issues which have impacted operational capacity of the Defence Forces over recent years. In response, a range of actions have been progressed to address these issues.

The report of the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) on retention and recruitment in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) contained a wide range of recommendations to address both retention and recruitment difficulties and these have been progressed through the High Level Implementation Plan "Strengthening Our Defence Forces".

A Service Commitment Scheme for pilots has had a stabilising effect on Air Corp pilot numbers, which have also increased as a result the introduction of a re-commissioning scheme.

A Naval Service Sea-going Service Commitment Scheme was introduced and a sea going naval personnel tax credit of €1,270 was applied in the 2020 tax year. This tax credit has been extended for a further year and is increased to €1,500 for the 2021 tax year.

The Defence Forces have also received the benefits of Public Service Pay Agreements with further increases available under the new Pay Agreement, should it be accepted by the Defence Forces Representative Associations. Work has also progressed on a broad range of non-pay measures in line with the PSPC recommendations as well as other initiatives.

I remain committed to restoring the capacity of the Defence Forces. Whilst there has been significant work undertaken to date, it will take time to see the full effect of the measures introduced.

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