Robert Troy
Ceist:292. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions he is taking to ensure the retention of key military skill sets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45333/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 October 2017
Ceisteanna (292)
Freagraí scríofa
Given the unique and demanding nature of military life, there is understandably a very high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. However, this is not new and the Defence Forces have always had a significant turnover of personnel on an annual basis. A certain level of turnover is, of course, desirable as a human resource and organisational objective, in order to maintain an appropriate age profile across the Defence Forces and to retain an approach to regular revitalisation.
In order to fill vacancies within the PDF establishment of 9,500 personnel there is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level and it is anticipated that approximately 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force during 2017. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers. A range of recruitment methods are being employed including direct entry competitions for specialist positions and the scope to further expand direct entry is being considered. I have also directed civil and military management to develop proposals for expanding direct entry recruitment of specialists and a scheme to facilitate former PDF personnel with appropriate skill-sets to re-enter the Defence Forces. As the Deputy will be aware, there is also a significant ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Organisation.
In terms of pay, following sign up by the Defence Forces Representative Associations to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, members of the Permanent Defence Force have benefitted from pay increases. I was particularly pleased with recent adjustments to salary scales for general service recruits and privates who joined the Defence Forces since 2013 (increases of between 8% and 24% depending on scale point). The Public Service Stability Agreement 2018 -2020 also provides for further pay increases ranging from 5.75% to 7.25% depending on the individual’s current wage threshold and this is under consideration by RACO and PDFORRA. The fact that further consideration by the Public Service Pay Commission of recruitment and retention issues is provided for under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020, is also a welcome development.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment to the Defence Forces and ensuring that, where possible, the terms and conditions of service are as favourable as they can be within the current budgetary parameters.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, the Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and abroad.