Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
54. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the efforts being made to retain pilots who are leaving to work for commercial airlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32114/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting held on 4 July 2019, the Government accepted in full the report of the Public Service Pay Commission on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces. The Government also agreed an extensive implementation plan for the report. The Report recommended restoration of the Service Commitment Scheme for Pilots as a mechanism to encourage pilots to remain in the Air Corps.
The implementation plan is arranged around three broad themes of valuing members of the PDF, retaining the best people and attracting the best people. The plan, agreed by Government, sets out the actions to be taken and the timelines within which they will be taken, i.e. immediate, short term, medium term and long term. The implementation plan complements a range of actions that are already underway in the Department and the Defence Forces, to enhance recruitment and retention in the PDF. The restoration of the Service Commitment Scheme for Flying Officers is one of the matters provided for in the Plan.
The report of the Public Service Pay Commission is currently being considered by the Permanent Defence Force Representative Associations and there will be further meetings in the coming weeks to clarify any matters arising.
