Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Defence Forces and equipment available to same; if the current levels are deemed optimum; his plans to increase the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps including equipment in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13457/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when the strength of Naval Service will be brought up to date in line with international requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13763/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence when the concerns of the recent report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in relation to issues of morale and strength are expected to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13769/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps are likely to have their strength and military equipment updated in line with requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13770/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the strength of operability of all branches of the Defence Forces are regularly monitored to ensure their readiness in the event of an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13771/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the steps that are in hand to increase the strength of the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13772/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 35, 253, 259, 260, 261 and 262 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by government, including overseas deployments.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020 provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.
I can assure the Deputy that the manpower requirement of the Defence Forces continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis in accordance with the operational requirements of each of the three services to ensure they maintain their operational capability. As at 31st January 2022, the current strength of the Defence Forces is 8,467 comprised of 6,848 Army personnel, 750 Air Corps personnel, and 869 Naval Service personnel.
The Government remains committed to returning to, and maintaining, the agreed strength of 9,500 and, in that context, a number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges that will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity. These include:
- Commitment schemes in the Air Corps and Naval Service
- A special tax credit for seagoing Naval Service personnel
- A re-entry scheme for former personnel
- Ongoing recruitment, including direct entry competitions
- The ongoing review of the scope, and terms and conditions, of direct entry competitions to improve intakes
- Significant progress on pay within the Defence Forces arising from the Public Service Pay Commission recommendations and increases from recent pay agreements
In addition, following consideration by a high-level civil military group, a range of recommendations on the regeneration of the Naval Service are also being progressed.
Further, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, staffing and morale. The commission’s report was published on 9 February 2022. The next stage in the process will involve careful consideration of the recommendations and inter-departmental consultation. Once all recommendations have been carefully considered and an approach discussed, I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to Government for consideration. It is envisaged that this process will take at least four to five months.
