Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains convinced that adequate steps are being taken to bring the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps up to a level expected of a European country which happens to be an island off an island, the security of which can have an impact on all of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51147/23]
View answer136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which recruitment is ongoing in the Defence Forces to replenish the numbers retiring or resigning in any given year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51153/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 136 together.
The military authorities advise that as at the end of October 2023, the number of personnel in the Defence Forces stood at 7,595. I have previously acknowledged the current staffing difficulties in the Defence Forces and, to counter these, there are a number of recruitment and retention initiatives currently underway. These include ongoing general service and direct entry recruitment, the re-entry schemes, the 'Be More' recruitment campaign, significant progress on basic pay, and the rollout of private medical care to all ranks.
I also recently announced the new Naval Service Patrol Duty Allowance to be introduced from 1 January 2024. This allowance will consolidate the current Patrol Duty Allowance and Sea Going Service Commitment scheme.
In other actions, a Joint Induction Training Centre has been established in Gormanston, with a view to increasing the throughput of recruits, the maximum age of entry has been increased to 29 years for General Service recruits, Cadets, apprentices, and certain specialists, and fitness test scoring has been amended to maximise induction levels. External HR expertise has also been engaged to validate Defence Forces recruitment efforts and a marine specialist recruitment body has been contracted to target individuals with the skills and expertise required by the Naval Service.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
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.
