Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021
226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the strength of the Defence Forces has fluctuated in each of the past five years to date; if it is planned to recruit to augment the numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56793/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of outstanding positions to be filled within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56795/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 228 together.
The table below details the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) for each of the past five years:-
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Strength WTE |
9,126 |
9,173 |
8,957 |
8,659 |
8,572 |
I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the PDF, as at 31st October 2021, is 8,572 personnel.
I have previously acknowledged the current staffing issues within the Defence Forces and am very much aware that there continues to be a shortfall, currently of 928 personnel, between the current strength figures and those of the establishment.
A range of actions have been taken to address recruitment and retention issues. There is continuing recruitment, which has resulted in a total of 577 personnel being inducted as at 15th November. The scope of direct entry competitions was expanded in 2021, from 10 competitions, to include a new Air Corps Aircraft Technician competition. Additionally, direct entry terms and conditions continue to be revised to improve intakes. The re-entry campaign for former members of the PDF continues.
Concurrent retention initiatives such as a commitment scheme in the Air Corps (for pilots) and the Naval Service have been undertaken which complement the above recruitment measures in countering current staffing challenges. Furthermore, 15 projects were undertaken to facilitate the implementation of the PSPC Report on Recruitment and Retention. Most of these projects have been completed with others being considered in the context of wider public sector pay arrangements.
Additionally, the Commission on the Defence Forces is due to submit their report by the end of the year and I look forward to receiving the report in due course. The recommendations will then be fully considered and will inform future decisions regarding the Defence Forces.
My focus remains on retaining/restoring all branches of the Defence Forces at their full capacity, but there is no quick fix to the current challenges. In that context, I would reiterate that there has been significant work undertaken to date, and such work continues, but it will take time to see the full effect of the measures introduced.
