Thomas Gould
Question:24. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the target for recruitment to the Defence Forces in the next 12 months. [22911/23]
View answerTuesday, 16 May 2023
Questions (24, 27)
Seán Haughey
Question:27. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent of recruitment planned for the Defence Forces in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22684/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 27 together.
I have been advised by the military authorities that they forecast a total of 709 General Service Recruits and Cadets being inducted in 2023. The Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted and so will continue to also target Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technicians and specialists for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service.
Sanction has recently been received for 100 extra positions to facilitate the implementation of the Report on the Commission on the Defence Forces. This is in addition to the pending appointments of a civilian Head of Strategic HR, and a civilian Head of Transformation, in the Defence Forces.
I have previously acknowledged the current staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces, and work is ongoing to counter these. The problem is most acute in the enlisted ranks as Officer ranks remain above establishment. Current recruitment initiatives include ongoing general service recruitment, targeted service specific recruitment, direct entry recruitment, and the re-entry schemes.
The 'Be More' recruitment campaign highlights the career opportunities available in the Defence Forces and also the wider benefits of membership. A Naval Service specific recruitment campaign is being developed, and a contract has recently been awarded to a marine specialist recruitment body to target individuals with the skills and expertise required by the Naval Service.
Retention measures include service commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service, and the sea-going naval personnel tax credit.
I recently secured agreement to further extend the service of post-94 Privates and Corporals, similar to the interim arrangement agreed previously for Sergeants. This allows for their continuance in service to the end of 2024.
There has been significant progress on pay as a result of increases arising from the Public Service Pay Commission report, from recent pay agreements and from the early implementation of some of the recommendations of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Current pay rates including Military Service Allowances for recruits on completion of their training, start at €37,147 in Year 1, rising to €38,544 in Year 2, and €39,832 in Year 3 of service. A graduate cadet on commissioning starts on a payscale, which includes Military Service Allowance that ranges from €46,406 to €54,696 depending on the type of appointment. A school leaver cadet starts at €41,123 whilst in full-time third level education. These compare very favourably with the starting pay with other areas of the public service.
Arising from the completion of another early action of the Commission on the Defence Forces Report endorsing the commitment in the Programme for Government, I have recently secured agreement on the provision of secondary private medical care to all members of the Permanent Defence Force a facility only available to Officers up to now. This is in addition to the comprehensive primary medical and dental care available to all personnel.
My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel in the Defence Forces and thereafter increasing strength to meet the agreed level of ambition arising from the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.