Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
443. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant electrical artificers' positions that are currently vacant within the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4554/22]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that, within an establishment of 44, there are currently 18 Electrical Artificer vacancies in the Naval Service.
The Defence Forces recruit Electrical Artificers internally through the Trainee Technician Scheme and, externally, through Direct Entry Competition. The current direct entry Electrical Artificer competition is one of eight being utilised by the Naval Service. There is annual internal recruitment through the Trainee Technician Scheme.
I have acknowledged current staffing issues within the Defence Forces, particularly within the Naval Service and have introduced a range of recruitment and retention measures that have been, and continue to be, taken to address such issues.
Additionally, the Commission on the Defence Forces is finalising its work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission’s Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.
The Government remains committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively.
