Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he can envisage taking emergency measures to ensure that the strength of the Army, at all ranks, is updated and supplementary, both in terms of recruitment and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42804/23]
View answer177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he can envisage taking emergency measures to ensure that the strength of the Naval Service, at all ranks, is updated and supplementary, both in terms of recruitment and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42805/23]
View answer178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he can envisage taking emergency measures to ensure that the strength of the Air Corps, at all ranks, is updated and supplementary, both in terms of recruitment and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42806/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 177 and 178 together.
As at 31 August 2023, the strength of the Permanent Defence Forces was 7,671 personnel, of which there were 6,221 Army personnel, 695 Air Corps personnel and 775 Naval Service personnel.
I have previously acknowledged the staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces and I can assure the Deputy that there are are a number of recruitment and retention measures currently underway to counter these. Current recruitment initiatives include ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment, the re-entry schemes, the 'Be More' recruitment campaign, an increase in maximum age of recruitment for General Service Recruits, Cadets, Apprentices and certain other specialists and the establishment of a Joint Induction Training Centre.
Additionally, external human resources expertise has recently been engaged with an initial focus on the Naval Service. This will assess Defence Forces recruitment and the candidate’s recruitment journey, with a view to validation of current processes and appropriate recommendations, where required.
The Equipment Development Plan, published in June 2020 and providing a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years, ensures that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
My immediate focus is on stabilising the numbers of personnel, and to facilitate capacity for further increases. This will enable us to align ultimately with the level of ambition recommended in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, and agreed by Government.
