Gino Kenny
Question:42. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline Ireland’s plans for Defence Force funding and recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23596/22]
View answerThursday, 12 May 2022
Questions (42)
Written answers
The overall Defence Vote Group allocation is determined on an annual basis within the overarching budgetary framework and approved by Dáil Éireann, having regard to the level of resources available and defence policy requirements. Thus, for 2022, the total gross allocation provided to the Defence Vote Group, as set out in Budget 2022, is €1,107 million, comprising of €836 million for Vote 36 (Defence) and €271 million for Vote 35 (Army Pensions).
The 2022 allocation includes an allocation of over €545 million for the pay and allowances of members of the Permanent Defence Force, civil servants and civilian employees. Public Service pay policy is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, having regard to Public Sector Pay Agreements. The Department of Defence does not have discretion to award separate pay increases. The Defence Forces continue to have received pay increases in line with the Public Service pay agreements.
Capital funding allocations are also framed by the multi-annual National Development Plan. The White Paper on Defence, updated in 2019, highlighted the importance of capability development and the necessity for continued renewal, upgrade and acquisition of military equipment and infrastructure. To this end, the National Development Plan has allocated multi-annual funding of €566 million to Defence out to 2025, with an allocation of €141 million per annum provided for 2022 and 2023 and €142 million per annum for 2024 and 2025.
In relation to the current staffing challenges in the Defence Forces, various recruitment and retention initiatives are being implemented, including
- An Ongoing General Service Recruitment Campaign;
- Direct Entry Officers competitions for Bridge Watch-keeping, Marine Engineering and Electrical Engineering roles;
- Direct Entry ‘Other Ranks’ competitions for Engine Room Artificers, Hull Artificers, Electrical Artificers, Radio/Radar Technicians and Chefs.
- An Air Corps Aircraft Apprentice Technician competition;
- A Cadetship competition for all branches will commence shortly;
- An extension to the Air Corps Service Commitment Scheme;
- An extension of the Naval Service Tax Credit of €1,500 into 2022;
- An ongoing scheme allowing for the re-commissioning of former Officers and the re-enlistment of former enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force has also assisted in addressing particular skills gaps.
As the Deputy will be aware, the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published. There is a process underway to consider the many detailed recommendations in that report, including in relation to funding and recruitment. This necessarily requires widespread consultation. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me at this time to pre-empt an ongoing deliberative process.
Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 34.