Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 October 2018
71. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether the current level of turnover in the Defence Forces is dysfunctional; and his plans to address same. [39962/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGiven the unique and demanding nature of military life, it is understandable that there is a relatively high level of turnover among Defence Forces personnel. This is not a new phenomenon and the Permanent Defence Force has always had a level of turnover that exceeds other areas of the public service. This is a feature of military organisations worldwide and is not unique to Ireland.
The selective use of short-term statistics in relation to turnover can be misleading and confusing. Based on figures provided to me by the military authorities, the overall numbers departing the Permanent Defence Force in recent years are broadly consistent with the long term trends.
However there are some exceptions and as the Deputy will be aware, under my direction, the Department brought the issue of recruitment and retention of certain specialists to the attention of the Public Service Pay Commission. The Government will study any recommendations arising from the Public Service Pay Commission when they are published.
To address vacancies in these specialist positions, I have initiated a range of actions including a new scheme to provide for former members of the Permanent Defence Force, who retain required specialist skills, to re-enter the Defence Forces. Additionally the scope to further expand direct entry of personnel with specialist skills is being considered.
Applicants from the general service recruitment campaign held earlier this year will be inducted between September and end November. A second general service recruitment campaign was launched on 10 September 2018 and will close on 7 October 2018.
The pay of the Defence Forces is also increasing in accordance with public sector pay agreements. The pay of a newly qualified 3 star Private has increased by 25% in the last twelve months and at €27,257 is very favourable when compared to entry rates across the public service. The starting rates for newly qualified Officers is €35,000 and for new graduate Officers is in excess of €40,000. These amounts are inclusive of Military Service Allowance. This compares favourably to the average starting pay for graduates across other sectors of employment.
By the end of the current public service pay agreement the pay of all public servants, including members of the Defence Forces, earning under €70,000 per annum will be restored to pre-FEMPI levels. The restoration of cuts to military allowances will also be considered in the context of the agreement.
New entrants to the Defence Forces will benefit from the measures which were recently announced in relation to amendments to the pay scales for new entrant public servants recruited since January 2011.
I remain committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces retain the capacity to operate effectively across all roles required of them by Government at home and overseas.
