Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
44. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he or his officials have met recently to discuss the large exodus from the Defence Forces; and his plans to address these issues. [35090/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister with Responsibility for Defence, I meet regularly with senior civil and military management to be appraised of, among other matters, the manpower requirements of the Permanent Defence Force and recruitment and development plans. The Permanent Defence Force has a higher level of turnover than other areas of the Public Service and this is a feature of military organisations. This is not a new development, although there are recruitment and retention challenges, particularly with regard to certain specialists. Under my direction, these issues have been raised with the Public Service Pay Commission, which is currently further examining these matters.
There are significant recruitment opportunities available in the Defence Forces, at both enlisted and officer level, for eligible individuals who wishes to have a rewarding and positive career in service to the State. A general service recruitment campaign, the 2018 officer cadetships competition, a competition for Air Corps apprentices and the 2018 RDF recruitment campaigns all closed recently and the applications are being progressed. A second general service recruitment campaign is scheduled for September.
There is also an ongoing programme of HR development within the Defence Forces, of which part is aimed at ensuring that there is an appropriate work-life balance. The Chief of Staff is actively addressing matters to this end. I am also bringing forward measures to allow former members of the Permanent Defence Force with specialist skills, to re-enter the PDF and I have requested proposals for the greater use of direct entry for specialised posts.
The measures I have set out address a range of factors and are aimed at ensuring that the Permanent Defence Force remains a career of choice, and to ensuring that the Defence Forces retain the capabilities to undertake the roles assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.
