Matt Carthy
Question:33. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will detail both the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22816/23]
View answerTuesday, 16 May 2023
Questions (33)
Written answers
The military authorities advise that, as of 31 March 2023, the strength of the Permanent Defence Force stood at 7,807. The current establishment of the Defence Forces is 9,500. 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 regularising the provision of healthcare to all members of the Permanent Defence Force. All personnel can now avail of private secondary medical care, 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.
Questions Nos. 34 and 35 answered orally.
Question No. 36 taken with No. 22.