Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2022
246. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Defence the number of personnel in the Defence Forces in its various areas over the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4166/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which efforts continue to ensure the maintenance of the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps at optimum levels having particular regard to Ireland’s position on the periphery of Europe and its extended coastline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4190/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains assured that no attempt is being made to reduce the strength of any branch of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4196/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 246, 249 and 255 together.
As at 31 December 2021, the strength of the PDF was 8,468 whole time equivalent personnel comprised of 6,841 Army, 876 Naval Service and 751 Air Corps. There is an establishment of 9,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, 7,520 for the Army, 1,094 for the Naval Service, and 996 for the Air Corps which the Government remains committed to returning to and maintaining. The manpower requirement of the Defence Forces is monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services. The Naval Service, for example, continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and security operations with aerial assistance in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone provided by the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron.
The strength, by Branch, for each of the past five years is attached.
Permanent Defence Force Strength (WTE)
|
Year |
Army |
Air Corps |
Naval Service |
Total |
|
2021 |
6,841 |
751 |
876 |
8,468 |
|
2020 |
6,923 |
746 |
903 |
8,572 |
|
2019 |
7,002 |
721 |
936 |
8,659 |
|
2018 |
7,243 |
725 |
989 |
8,957 |
|
2017 |
7,386 |
734 |
1,053 |
9,173 |
A range of actions have been taken to address recruitment and retention issues in the Permanent Defence Force and bridge the shortfall between the current strength figures and those of the establishment.
Ongoing recruitment initiatives resulted in a total of 576 personnel being inducted in 2021. While the 2022 Recruitment Plan is not yet finalised, the Defence Forces remain committed to optimising the number of personnel inducted.
The scope of direct entry competitions, along with the terms and conditions, continue to be expanded and revised to improve intakes. The re-entry campaign for former members of the PDF continues.
Concurrent retention initiatives such as a service commitment schemes in the Air Corps (for pilots) and the Naval Service have been launched. The PSPC report on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces made a range of recommendations with a view to addressing recruitment and retention issues and these have been progressed through a series of projects.
Additionally, the Commission on the Defence Forces is finalising its work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission’s Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.
The Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively.
