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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Questions (48, 54, 55)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

48. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence if there is a timeframe for the numbers in the Defence Forces to reach the approved threshold of 9,500; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34513/21]

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Niamh Smyth

Question:

54. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Defence the number of new recruits who have enlisted in the Permanent Defence Forces in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34599/21]

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Cathal Berry

Question:

55. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the level of uptake on the recent recruitment campaign for direct entry technicians in the Air Corps; if he is satisfied with these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34706/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 54 and 55 together.

The military authorities have advised that, as at 31st May 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 8,570 personnel. While the Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel, there are a number of factors, many of which are hard to predict, which will impact on the timeframe within which this will be achieved.

I have acknowledged that there are on-going challenges in the Defence Forces, and these have been well-documented. However recruitment is ongoing and has resulted in 228 personnel (including 210 General Service recruits) being inducted as at 31st May 2021 and further inductions are planned. General Service recruitment continues. I launched a recruitment campaign on 25th June, specifically targeting potential Naval Service Recruits. The intention is to induct a further 80 Naval Service recruits and bring the overall Naval Service induction target to 130 this year.

Initiatives that also play a role in restoring capacity and in boosting specialist’s numbers include the campaign to re-enlist and re-commission former members of the Permanent Defence Force. This initiative has resulted in 15 re-commissioned officers and 42 re-enlisted personnel in 2020 and, in 2021, a further 1 recommissioned officer and 15 re-enlisted personnel as at 31st May.

Furthermore, along with direct entry provision for Doctors, direct entry is also currently utilised in 8 competitions in the Naval Service for the recruitment of both Officers and 'Other Ranks', Defence Forces School of Music Instrumentalists and Air Corps Aircraft Technician. The latter competition, launched on 28th May and remains open until the 30th June, had attracted 39 applications as at 22nd June.

A sea-going service commitment scheme and a tax credit, both for sea-going Naval Service personnel, are examples of targeted measures I have introduced, aimed at retaining experienced personnel. This follows the reintroduction of a successful service commitment scheme for Flying Officers in the Air Corps.

The PSPC report on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made a range of recommendations with a view to addressing recruitment and retention issues and these have been progressed through a series of projects. In addition, the independent Commission on the Defence Forces is tasked with examining a range of issues, including recruitment and retention.

Increasing the capacity of the Defence Forces will take time. However, the challenges are being addressed and work in this regard is a priority for me and my civil and military management team.

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