Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
363. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Defence Forces are having serious difficulties with the retention of personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47620/21]
View answer365. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Defence the current plans for new recruitment for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47622/21]
View answer366. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47623/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 363, 365 and 366 together.
As at 31st August 2021, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force was 8,550 personnel. The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining the agreed strength of the Permanent Defence Force at 9,500 personnel and significant work continues in order to restore the PDF to its full capacity.
Personnel leave the Permanent Defence Force for a number of reasons including on age grounds, at the end of contract and voluntary discharges. More than 50% of those who leave the Defence Forces do so with some form of pension. This can make taking up a position in the private sector very attractive where a full-time position, even at the same rates as those in the Defence Forces, could lead to an increase in an individual’s earnings.
In that context, I have fully acknowledged the retention issues affecting both officers and enlisted personnel. A range of actions have been taken to address these issues which includes the 15 projects undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the PSPC Report on Recruitment and Retention. Most of these projects have been completed with others being considered in the context of wider public sector pay arrangements.
Other measures undertaken, aimed at retaining capacity, include two Commitment Schemes, one in the Air Corps which has had a stabilising effect on pilot numbers and one in the Naval Service to incentivise sea going duties. A sea going naval personnel tax credit has been extended for the 2021 tax year and has been increased to €1,500.
Recruitment in 2021 has resulted in 406 inductions as at 27th September. The current recruitment initiatives, complementing the above retention measures in countering current staffing challenges, include:
- Traditional recruitment is ongoing and further inductions are expected. This includes:
- Continuing General Service recruitment which, in October 2021, will result in 95 further recruits commencing training.
- The 2021 Cadet offers process, expected to conclude on 22nd October.
- The scope of ongoing direct entry competitions remains under consideration and expanded in 2021 which, along with reviews of direct entry terms and conditions, will further improve intakes.
- The re-entry campaign for former members of the PDF continues and resulted in 1 re-commissioning officer and 28 re-enlisting personnel in 2021.
The Deputy will be aware that as part of the terms of reference of the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, the Commission is considering appropriate recruitment and retention approaches, having regard to work undertaken to date and international best practice, to deliver the capabilities required of a modern military force. I look forward to receiving the Commission’s recommendations.
