Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2021
383. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the number of Permanent Defence Forces personnel who have applied to re-enlist to date; the number reinducted by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29680/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast April, the former Minister with responsibility for Defence, launched a scheme to re-enlist former Permanent Defence Force (PDF) enlisted personnel. The focus of the scheme was those former PDF personnel with particular skillsets, identified by the Chief of Staff, where shortages exist The scheme allows for initial re-enlistment for a minimum of six months and up to 3 years and the duration of the re-enlistment offered depends on the vacancies that exist.
As of 30 April 2021, following recommendations from the Chief of Staff, 56 personnel have been inducted. The number of personnel, by rank, that have re-enlisted to date under the scheme for the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps, is broken down as follows:
|
Rank |
Army |
Naval Service |
Air Corps |
Total |
|
CQMS |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Sergeant |
5 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
|
Corporal |
8 |
0 |
2 |
10 |
|
Private |
35 |
1 |
1 |
37 |
I welcome the re-enlistment of these personnel and wish them well in their renewed careers in the Defence Forces. Their important contribution to the operational effectiveness of the Defence Forces is appreciated.
I understand that the Chief of Staff will make further recommendations for personnel to be re-enlisted in the coming period.
