Jim O'Callaghan
Question:
158. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the recent recruitment campaign undertaken for the Naval Service covered the Philippines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8063/24]
View answer
It has not been possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I shall provide the information to the Deputy once it becomes available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to the above-referenced Parliamentary Question and my original reply stating that it was not possible to provide the required information within the timeframe available. I am now in a position to do so. I am advised by the military authorities that individual countries are not specifically targeted by Permanent Defence Force recruitment campaigns, notwithstanding that advertising is placed across all major social media platforms and is accessible internationally. Advertising for specialist recruitment, by direct entry, is placed in industry specific publications and on websites, which are also accessible worldwide.
Given current recruitment challenges in the Defence Forces, which is a problem that is shared by armed forces and naval services globally, all possible opportunities to enhance recruitment continue to be explored by my Department and military management.
